Dallas Council to Discuss Gun Ban at State Fair

DALLAS – The Dallas City Council is set to convene on Wednesday to deliberate the State Fair of Texas' controversial gun policy, which has come under scrutiny following a legal warning from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton's notice, issued last week, claims that the fair's policy contravenes state law that allows licensed gun owners to carry firearms on government-owned properties, including Fair Park, where the fair takes place. The State Fair's policy, implemented after a shooting incident last year that injured three individuals, prohibits all firearms, large knives, clubs, explosives, and other weapons on the fairgrounds. This ban applies to both concealed and open carry, extending to all areas of the fair, including Cotton Bowl Stadium, with exceptions made for law enforcement officers. Paxton argues that the policy violates the Second Amendment rights of licensed carry holders and has given the City of Dallas a 15-day ultimatum to amend the policy or face legal action. The policy has drawn significant backlash from lawmakers, with 70 state legislators, including Texas State Rep. Frederick Frazier, signing a letter condemning the ban as detrimental to public safety. Frazier emphasized the importance of supporting licensed gun owners in their right to defend themselves in emergencies. Despite the mounting pressure and potential legal challenges, the State Fair has firmly stated that it will not alter its policy.