Texas House Republicans urge State Fair to rescind its decision to ban all firearms on the grounds

SEATTLE - After the tragic events that transpired last year at the State Fair of Texas in which three people were injured by gunshots, law enforcement and fair officials announced a policy change that banned all firearms from the grounds. Despite their efforts, Texas House Republicans are pressuring fair officials to rescind its recent decision.

As of Aug. 12, 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair "less safe," arguing that "gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil."

During last year's fair, 22-year-old Cameron Alexander Turner opened fire inside the food court and injured three people. Turner was charged with three counts of aggravated assault. He told police that "a group of big males" approached him and he "went into defensive mode" to protect his family when he started shooting, per WFAA. Turner is set to go on trail in late October.

Last year, the State Fair of Texas used high-tech scanners designed to detect weapons at its entries for the first time ever, and the recent policy change is another measure taken by fair officials to keep attendees safer.

Under the new policy, only active and retired peace officers will be authorized to carry within the fairground. Dallas police officers will verify their credentials upon entry. The State Fair of Texas kicks off on Sept. 27.

In the petition signed by Republican lawmakers, they warned that if the gun ban goes into effect, they would consider taking legislative action. "Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public," the lawmakers wrote.

"The State Fair of Texas claims to be a 'celebration of all things Texas,' yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas," the petition added.

Texas Gun Rights, a gun advocacy group, also released a statement encouraging the state fair to change its decision. "Gun Free Zones don't work. This is another feel good attempt that accomplishes absolutely nothing for safety," said Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, in the statement.

In response to the increased pressure, the fair released a statement saying it adopted a policy similar to that of most mass community gatherings across the country and argued that they take the safety of the State Fair very seriously.

"A combined total of more than 200 uniformed and armed DPD officers and State Fair Safety Team members are patrolling the fairgrounds whenever the gates are open," said Karissa Condoianis, the fair's spokesperson.

The Minnesota State Fair, the country's second-largest behind the State Fair of Texas, has similar policies that prohibit visitors to bring firearms into the fairground, though the state law allows open carry if the owner has a valid permit.

In 2022, someone was able to get a gun past security and shoot a person during a brawl, causing mass panic. Since then, the fair has revamped its security measures to include extra patrols, barricades and cameras.