Ken Paxton Threatens Legal Action Over State Fair Gun Policy

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened legal action against the State Fair of Texas over its new firearms policy, setting the stage for a potential showdown between gun rights advocates and fair organizers.

At a Glance

Ken Paxton threatens to sue Dallas over State Fair’s gun ban
New policy prohibits open and concealed carry for most people
Fair organizers cite safety concerns following 2023 shooting incident
Paxton claims policy violates Texas law on government-owned property
Fair officials maintain they are a private organization on leased land

Paxton’s Legal Challenge

In a bold move to defend Second Amendment rights, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a stern warning to the City of Dallas regarding the State Fair of Texas’s new firearms policy. The fair, a beloved Texan tradition since 1886, recently announced a ban on both open and concealed carry of firearms for most visitors, sparking a heated debate on gun rights and public safety.

Paxton argues that the State Fair, held at Fair Park—which is owned by the City of Dallas but leased to a nonprofit—is subject to laws preventing state governments from blocking licensed gun holders from accessing government property. In a letter to Dallas’s interim city manager, Kimberly Tolbert, Paxton stated that the policy violates Tex. Gov’t Code § 411.209(a).

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says the city of Dallas has 15 days to make the State Fair of Texas reverse its new gun policy or he'll sue. https://t.co/oU5YhVUmlO

— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) August 15, 2024

Fair’s Response and Rationale

The State Fair of Texas, through spokesperson Karissa Condoianis, has emphasized that they are a private, not-for-profit organization and not controlled by the government. She maintains that the new policy is necessary for safety and maintaining a “family-friendly atmosphere.”

Condoianis clarified that the fair will not be “gun free” and highlighted the presence of over 200 uniformed and armed officers for security. The fair also plans to implement additional security measures, including cameras at entrances.

Legal and Political Implications

Paxton has given the city 15 days to reverse the policy or face a lawsuit and civil penalties between $1,000 and $1,500 for each day the policy remains in place. This ultimatum has drawn support from gun rights advocates and criticism from those who prioritize public safety in crowded venues.

“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.”

The controversy has reignited a broader debate about gun rights in public spaces, with some lawmakers and the NRA urging the fair to reconsider its decision. Meanwhile, others, like Councilman Adam Bazaldua, have criticized Paxton’s letter as “partisan politics” and stressed the need for safety in crowded areas.

As the September 27 opening day of the State Fair approaches, all eyes are on Dallas and the State Fair organizers to see how they will respond to this challenge. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for gun policies at large public events across Texas and potentially influence similar debates nationwide.