Paxton Targets State Fair’s Gun Ban: Legal Battle Looms

On Wednesday Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a notice letter to the City of Dallas directing it to withdraw a statement made by the State Fair of Texas that prohibits citizens from carrying firearms on the premises.

He warned the city of Dallas of a potential lawsuit if the policy isn’t revised within 15 days.

“Texas law clearly states that license-to-carry holders may not be prevented from carrying a firearm on property owned or leased by the government unless otherwise prevented by state statute,” said Paxton. “The State Fair of Texas’s recent policy that infringes on LTC holders’ Second Amendment rights is unlawful. Dallas has fifteen days to fix the issue, otherwise, I will see them in court.”

Paxton’s statement was in response to the State Fair’s declaration that licensed gun holders would be prohibited from carrying firearms at the event, a decision partly influenced by a shooting last year that left three people injured. The only exceptions would be for active-duty police officers and qualified retired officers. This year’s fair is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 20 at Dallas’ Fair Park.

However, the Attorney General’s office argues that this policy breaches Texas law, as Fair Park is a city-owned property leased to the State Fair during the event.

In a letter to Dallas city officials, the AG’s office pointed out that prohibiting firearms on government property is illegal under state law unless specific exemptions apply, such as those for schools. The city has yet to issue a public response to the letter.

A spokesperson for the State Fair, Karissa Condoianis, told The Dallas Morning News that the AG’s office seemed to be seeking clarification regarding the relationship between the State Fair and the city. Condoianis emphasized that the fair is a private, nonprofit organization operating under a long-term lease agreement with Dallas and is not a government entity.

The State Fair, which expects to draw over 2 million visitors, will maintain the weapon detection system introduced last year and enforce a curfew for attendees aged 17 and under. Additional security measures include restrictions on bag sizes, a redesigned entry system, and a 24-hour security command center.

This action by Paxton follows a letter from over 70 Texas lawmakers, issued on Monday, urging the fair to reverse its gun policy. The lawmakers argued that “gun-free zones” are more susceptible to criminal activity as they pose fewer risks to those intending harm.

“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,” said the letter.

To learn more about gun violence in Texas, visit our Gun Violence Watch website.