On Wednesday morning, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a warning to the City of Dallas, demanding a change to the new firearms policy at the State Fair of Texas or face a lawsuit.
In his letter, Paxton asserted that the new policy, which bans firearms for everyone except current and retired peace officers, contravenes state law and infringes upon Second Amendment rights.
“Texas law explicitly states that license-to-carry holders cannot be barred from carrying firearms on government-owned or leased property unless a state statute provides otherwise,” Paxton said in a statement. “The State Fair of Texas’s recent policy that limits LTC holders’ rights is unlawful. Dallas has fifteen days to rectify this issue, or I will take legal action.”
The new policy was introduced last week following a shooting at the fair’s food court last October that resulted in multiple injuries.
During Wednesday’s Dallas City Council meeting, Councilman Adam Bazaldua criticized Paxton’s letter, labeling it as ‘partisan politics.’
“I believe ensuring the safety of our residents, particularly in heavily populated areas, should be a priority,” Bazaldua said. “We’ve seen repeated incidents where security measures have failed.”
The policy change comes nearly a year after a shooting at the fair injured three people. The State Fair Grounds fall within Bazaldua’s district.
“Rather than placing the burden on minimum wage employees expected to manage the safety of hundreds of thousands of people, we should ensure consistency in our security measures,” Bazaldua added.
He defended the State Fair’s authority to implement the new policy. “The State Fair of Texas has responded to a problem with a viable solution,” Bazaldua said.
Republican Texas House lawmakers have also criticized the new policy, urging the State Fair to reconsider.
“We have ample time for them to review their decision. They’ve indicated they might not change their stance, but with enough public pressure, they might reconsider,” said Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian).
In response to Paxton’s letter, the State Fair of Texas issued a statement saying, “We are aware of the Attorney General’s letter to the City of Dallas regarding the firearms policy. The letter seems to seek clarification on the city’s relationship with the State Fair of Texas—a private, non-profit organization—and our long-term lease agreement with the city. We have not yet discussed this with the city but are prepared to cooperate as needed.”
NBC 5 contacted the Dallas Police Department for comment on the security update, but they directed us to the fair and city officials.
State Representative Venton Jones responded to Paxton’s letter late Wednesday, stating:
“The Attorney General has the authority to initiate investigations as he sees fit. Regarding the safety of State Fair patrons, I trust our Board of Directors to make the best decisions. I am confident that the State Fair of Texas and its board are in full compliance with Texas laws. I anticipate a safe and successful State Fair and encourage everyone to visit House District 100.”
Licensed and retired peace officers will still be permitted to carry firearms at the fair.
NBC 5 has reached out to the City of Dallas for a response to Paxton’s letter but has not yet received a reply.
