Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened to sue the City of Dallas after it implemented a new policy banning individuals from carrying concealed firearms at the State Fair of Texas.
Last week, the State Fair announced a prohibition on firearms being carried on the fairgrounds, with exceptions only for retired or active peace officers. In response, Paxton sent a letter to Dallas Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert, condemning the decision and claiming it violated state law.
In a post on X, Paxton explained, “I have sent a notice letter to the City of Dallas directing it to withdraw the statement made by the State Fair of Texas, the organization contracted to run Fair Park during the annual event, that prohibits citizens from lawfully carrying a firearm on the premise.”
“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,” he continued. “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.”
Paxton’s threat of legal action comes as 70 other state officials have expressed criticism of the State Fair’s policy, according to Fox News. The State Fair has responded by claiming it can implement the ban because it is a private, not-for-profit organization. It also claimed that there will be sufficient law enforcement staffing at the event.
“We are aware that the Texas Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to the City of Dallas about the recent announcement concerning firearms at the annual State Fair. It appears from the letter that the Attorney General’s Office is seeking clarification regarding the City’s relationship with the State Fair of Texas – a private, not-for-profit organization – and the State Fair’s use of Fair Park under a long-term lease agreement between the two parties. We have not spoken with the city yet but stand ready to cooperate with them, as needed,” The State Fair of Texas said in a statement to FOX 7.
