Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has given a hard deadline to the organizers of the State Fair of Texas to go back on its ban on firearms in the event's premises, warning that he will file a lawsuit if they don't comply.
"Dallas has fifteen days to fix the issue," Paxton said in a statement. "Otherwise I will see them in court."
The authorities' decision to ban weapons in the fair's premises comes after last year's shooting on the fairgrounds, where three people were injured.
The suspect, 22-year-old Cameron Turner, was indicted with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He told police that "a group of big males" approached him and he "went into defensive mode" to protect his family when he started shooting, per WFAA. Turner is set to go on trail in late October.
The fair has so far rejected all criticism since announcing the new policy last week. Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis acknowledged the move caused controversy, but said "this is the right decision moving forward to ensure a safe environment and family-friendly atmosphere."
Like Paxton, many local Republican lawmakers are seeking the overturning of the decision, with 71 officials and nominees signing a petition to that end. They said the new policy makes the fair "less safe," arguing that "gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil."
They also threatened with legislative moves. "Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public," the lawmakers wrote. "The State Fair of Texas claims to be a 'celebration of all things Texas,' yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas," the petition added.
Condoianis disagreed with the stance, saying other large gatherings have implemented similar rules, like sporting events and concerts. She added that 200 police officers will be patrolling the grounds and attendees go through a screening process before entering.
Paxton is also arguing that the ban violates the rights of gun owners in the state. In a letter to the City of Dallas, he said gun owners can carry on property owned or leased by the government unless otherwise prohibited by state law.
The Minnesota State Fair, the country's second-largest behind the State Fair of Texas, has similar policies that prohibit visitors to bring firearms into the fairground, though the state law allows open carry if the owner has a valid permit.
In 2022, someone was able to get a gun past security and shoot a person during a brawl, causing mass panic. Since then, the fair has revamped its security measures to include extra patrols, barricades and cameras.
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