DALLAS (AP) — On Thursday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took legal action to stop a gun ban during the State Fair of Texas, which is one of the largest events in the state each year.
This ban was announced earlier in the month by fair organizers following a shooting incident last year that occurred on the fairgrounds, which span 277 acres (112 hectares) in the center of Dallas. The decision quickly faced backlash from Republican lawmakers who have been advocates for expanding gun rights in Texas. Paxton, who is also a Republican, warned that he would pursue a lawsuit if the fair did not reverse its ban.
Paxton argued that Texas law permits gun owners to carry their firearms in government-owned places, unless there are specific laws that say otherwise. Fair Park, the location of the State Fair, is owned by the City of Dallas, which partners with the State Fair of Texas for its operation each year.
Calling the ban an unlawful restriction on the rights of gun owners, Paxton pointed out that Texas allows individuals to carry handguns without a license, background checks, or any required training.
“Neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas can take away Texans’ right to defend themselves,” Paxton stated.
The city of Dallas responded to the lawsuit by saying they “are aware of the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas and disagree with the claims made against the City and its interim city manager. The City did not play a role in the State Fair of Texas’ announcement regarding the gun policy. The State Fair is a private event managed by a non-profit organization, separate from the City.”
Officials from the State Fair did not respond right away to emails seeking their comments on the situation.
The fair, which runs for nearly a month and reopens in September, has a rich history dating back to 1886. It features an array of activities including carnival games, car shows, and is home to the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, one of the tallest in the U.S. The fairgrounds also host the annual college football showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma.
