Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit seeking to block a ban on firearms at the State Fair of Texas, a prominent annual event in the state. The ban was put in place following a shooting incident on the fairgrounds last year. This decision faced criticism from Republican lawmakers who have been advocates for expanding gun rights in Texas.
The Attorney General argued that Texas law permits gun owners to carry firearms in places owned or leased by government entities unless explicitly prohibited by law. Fair Park, where the State Fair of Texas is held, is owned by the City of Dallas, which contracts with the fair for its management.
The lawsuit claims that the ban on firearms is an infringement on the rights of gun owners in Texas. The state allows individuals to carry handguns without a license, background check, or training. The Attorney General emphasized that neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas has the authority to restrict Texans' right to self-defense.
City officials in Dallas chose not to comment on the lawsuit, while state fair representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The State Fair of Texas, a long-standing tradition dating back to 1886, offers a variety of attractions including midway games, car shows, and the iconic Texas Star Ferris Wheel, one of the tallest in the United States. Additionally, the fairgrounds host the annual college football rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma.
