Texas State Fair Bans Guns, Sparks Outrage

GOP lawmakers react strongly to new gun restrictions at fair
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 15, 2024 1:20 AM CDT
Texas State Fair Bans Guns, Sparks Outrage
Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS loads one of the wounded onto a cart after a shooting at the State Fair of Texas on Saturday night, Oct. 14, 2023, in Dallas.   (Jason Janik/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

The State Fair of Texas implemented a new no-gun policy following a shooting incident on its Dallas fairgrounds last year—a decision that has sparked backlash from Republican lawmakers. Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened legal action unless the rule is overturned. "Dallas has fifteen days to fix the issue," Paxton declared, vowing court proceedings otherwise.

The fair, a beloved Texas institution, has not eased its stance since announcing the policy last week. Organized annually in September, it features midway games, car shows, and the Texas Star Ferris wheel, along with hosting the University of Texas vs. University of Oklahoma football game. Following last year's shooting, which disrupted the fair and injured three, organizers stated the ban ensures a "safe environment and family-friendly atmosphere."

Fair spokeswoman Karissa Condoianis revealed the policy has been met with mixed reactions but said, "This is the right decision moving forward." More than 70 GOP legislators countered that in a letter that argued the ban would make the event less safe. Condoianis cited the presence of armed officers and pre-entry screenings and emphasized that the fair is a private organization, not a government control entity. The City of Dallas has yet to comment on Paxton's letters seeking clarification on the fair's relationship with Fair Park, the city-owned venue. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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