A coalition of African American groups is pushing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on changing the name of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. (Getty Images)
When asked about the proposal, Moore told Fox News Digital that he remains "laser-focused on providing closure to these families, clearing the channel, and rebuilding the bridge."
However, the Baltimore Banner said that Moore told reporters on Monday that he thinks there will "be a time for that" conservation later.
A spokesperson for the Caucus of African American Leaders told Fox News Digital they believe "public structures and buildings that taxpayers pay for shouldn't be named in honor of people who owned slaves."
Their issue with the bridge keeping its name after Key, the author of the national anthem, stems from his "legacy" being clouded with "accusations of racism," the Baltimore Banner wrote.
The Banner noted that Key, an attorney by profession, purchased enslaved people but also represented some Black Marylanders in court who sued for their freedom.
MARYLAND'S RISING STAR DEM GOVERNOR FACES FIRST NATIONAL TEST AFTER BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE
A section of the damaged and collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge is seen in the Baltimore port, Monday, April 1, 2024. (Kaitlin Newman/The Baltimore Banner via AP)
Conservatives on social media previously speculated about a possible push to rename the Key Bridge once it is eventually rebuilt, due to past efforts to "cancel" the famed attorney and poet and a news article hinting at his "controversial" past.
"Baltimore obviously won’t rename the new bridge after Francis Scott Key again," GOP Rep. Mike Collins posted on X responding to the bridge collapsing.
"So, any guesses on the new bridge name?"
"What do you bet, that when the Francis Scott Key Bridge is rebuilt, there will be a major push to rename the bridge?" Texas Public Policy Foundation Chief National Initiatives Officer Chuck DeVore posted on X.
Others on social media also previously pointed to an article from The Associated Press suggesting that it was the beginning of an attempt to frame the conversation around Key’s past.
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The campaigns of Rep. David Trone and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Democrats seeking the party nomination for U.S. Senate, did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal by the time of publication.
Republican Maryland Senate candidate Larry Hogan's campaign likewise did not provide a comment on the proposal.
Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume, a former NAACP president whose U.S. House district includes the Key Bridge, also did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.
Joe Schoffstall is a politics producer/reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Joe.Schoffstall@Fox.com and on Twitter: @joeschoffstall
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