Texas Attorney General Sues Dallas and State Fair Over Firearms Ban

DALLAS— The City of Dallas, the city manager, and the State Fair of Texas have been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response to the fair's new firearms policy. The policy forbids the possession of firearms, knives with blades exceeding 5.5 inches in length, clubs, explosive devices, ammunition, chemical dispensing devices, replicas or forgeries, and any other weapons by fairgoers. Peace officers who are chosen, appointed, or employed are not subject to the policy.

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The revised policy was implemented after a shooting at the fair last year, which resulted in the injuries of three individuals. The lawsuit alleges that the city and the fair are violating state law by unlawfully prohibiting firearms for the majority of visitors on government-owned public property. The City of Dallas is the owner of Fair Park, the site of the annual State Fair of Texas.

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The State Fair of Texas has maintained its posture on the prohibition of firearms, despite the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the fair reiterated their dedication to ensuring the safety of fairgoers, staff, vendors, and volunteers in a statement. The spokesperson defended the fair's right to make this decision as a private, not-for-profit organization that leases Fair Park, and he stated that it is the correct decision to ensure the protection of patrons.

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Attorney General Paxton had previously issued a warning to the City of Dallas that the prohibition violates the rights of gun owners in Texas and had given the city 15 days to modify the policy. Paxton filed a lawsuit on August 29th, requesting that the court grant injunctive relief to prevent the city or the State Fair from enforcing the firearms ban. The AG's office has declared that municipalities are prohibited from contracting official functions to third parties to avoid accountability or nullify state law.

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The fair's policy has encountered substantial opposition from lawmakers, as evidenced by a letter signed by 70 state legislators, which accused the prohibition of jeopardizing public safety. The State Fair of Texas has consistently prioritized the safety of fairgoers, despite the legal threats and backlash.

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