The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the State Fair of Texas’s decision to implement a firearms ban following last year’s shooting incident, provoking mixed reactions among visitors.
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 attracts millions of visitors annually and has heavy security with over 200 armed officers patrolling the grounds.
- Texas has a history of loosening gun restrictions, allowing people to carry handguns without a license or training.
State Fair Opens With Gun Ban
The State Fair of Texas opened its doors this season with a new ban on firearms, a direct response to the shooting incident last year that resulted in three injuries. Despite heavy opposition, the Texas Supreme Court upheld this decision, rejecting an appeal by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. This move represents a significant shift in a state known for its permissive firearm policies.
Attorney General Ken Paxton and other Republican leaders contended that the ban contradicts Texas’ longstanding support of gun rights. They argue it makes fairgoers unsafe by creating a “gun-free zone,” which they believe could attract criminal activity. However, the court’s ruling confirmed the fair’s right as a private nonprofit to enforce such a ban on its leased city land.
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
Mixed Reactions from Visitors
Visitors have shown mixed reactions to the new firearms ban. Corey McCarrell, who holds a license to carry in Texas, expressed some disappointment but still attended the fair. “It was a little upsetting,” he said. “But it didn’t prevent us from coming.” Conversely, some fairgoers like Janie Rojas felt more secure with the new restrictions, preferring a safer environment for families.
“Neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas can infringe on Texans’ right to self-defense,” Paxton wrote in his statement announcing the lawsuit.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson emphasized that security remains a top priority, with over 200 uniformed and armed police officers patrolling the fairgrounds daily. Retired law enforcement officers are also allowed to carry firearms to enhance security. This level of security aims to prevent incidents like last year’s shooting, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for fairgoers.
New: The Supreme Court of Texas on Thursday night denied Attorney General Ken Paxton's emergency filing seeking to overturn the State Fair of Texas’ policy banning all firearms from its fairgrounds. The fair is set to start Friday. https://t.co/CGOCqqlogp
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) September 27, 2024
Implications and Future Actions
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision follows a Dallas County District Court ruling that supported the fair’s right to enforce the gun ban. The Supreme Court justices pointed out that their role was to interpret state law rather than pass judgment on the wisdom of the State Fair’s decision. This ruling may influence future cases involving gun control and private entities in Texas.
“It should go without saying—though perhaps it cannot be said often enough—that a judge’s role in this case is not to decide whether the State Fair made a wise decision. Our job, instead, is to decide whether Texas law allowed the State Fair to make the decision for itself. The State declines to take a position on that essential question but nevertheless asks this Court for an injunction overriding the State Fair’s decision. It should also go without saying that our answer, for now, must be no.”
Paxton, continuing his fight, has vowed to uphold Texans’ gun rights, asserting that the ban violates Texas law, which generally prohibits government bodies from banning weapons. State lawmakers have also shown strong opposition, warning of potential legislative actions if the ban is not overturned.
Sources
1. Texas Supreme Court leaves State Fair’s gun ban in place
