The State Fair of Texas has banned firearms after a shooting incident last year, a move now upheld by the Supreme Court.
At a Glance
- The State Fair of Texas opened with a new firearms ban following a shooting incident last year.
- The ban faced opposition from Republicans and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued it violated Texas’ gun rights.
- The Texas Supreme Court rejected a last-minute appeal against the ban.
- The fair is one of the largest in the U.S. and runs through October, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Texas State Fair Firearms Ban Initiated
The State Fair of Texas opened its gates this year with a notable change: a ban on firearms. The decision comes after a shooting incident last year left three attendees injured. The fair is known for attracting millions of visitors annually and is one of the largest in the United States. Despite the ban, visitor opinions are split on the issue.
The fair is patrolled by over 200 uniformed and armed police officers daily. Retired law enforcement officers are still permitted to carry firearms. The response from attendees varies, with some like Corey McCarrell expressing disappointment, but still attending the event. Others, such as Janie Rojas and Gabrielle Fass, report feeling safer with the ban in place.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Files Appeal to Prevent Unlawful State Fair of Texas Firearms Ban From Taking Effect: https://t.co/snVVUrkN8r
— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) September 23, 2024
Opposition and Legal Battles
The firearms ban faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. They argued that the ban violates state laws, which generally prohibit government bodies from banning weapons. Paxton withdrew a previous legal opinion allowing private nonprofits to ban guns on leased city land. He stated, “Neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas can infringe on Texans’ right to self-defense.”
“I will continue to fight this on the merits to uphold Texans’ ability to defend themselves, which is protected by State law,” Paxton stated in a reaffirmation of his stance. Despite the opposition, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the decision, denying Paxton’s appeal. The ruling follows a Dallas County District Court decision supporting the fair’s ability to enforce the ban.
“This Court cannot possibly order the State Fair to allow handguns to be carried at this year’s Fair when the party seeking that relief does not even argue that Texas law obligates the Fair to do so," one of the justices wrote in a legal opinion. https://t.co/VreB27VrLe
— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) September 27, 2024
Visitor Safety and Public Sentiment
The fair operates under a 25-year agreement with the city of Dallas, which owns the Fair Park. The Supreme Court justices did not take a position on whether Texas law allows the fair to ban firearms, stating the state did not sufficiently argue its case. Some Republican lawmakers warn of potential legislative action if the gun ban continues. They argue the policy contradicts Texas culture and public safety.
Sources like the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action argue against the efficacy of gun free zones, citing that they “present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil.”
Supporters of the ban, like Mayor Eric Johnson, have voiced trust in the fair’s decision to ensure visitor safety. “I’d rather nobody carry on the premises with all the kids and everybody here,” said Rojas, an attendee supportive of the ban. While the fair continues to be a point of contention, it appears the legal battles to uphold Texans’ gun rights are far from over.
