Texas Lawmakers Urge State Fair to Reverse Ban on Concealed Firearms Amid Safety Debate

A total of seventy legislators from Texas have collectively signed a letter, strongly requesting the Board of Directors of the State Fair of Texas to reverse their recent decision to prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms.
The policy change follows an incident last year in which a 23-year-old named Cameron Turner discharged a firearm, causing injuries to three individuals in Fair Park.
Despite Turner’s lack of a license to carry, the State Fair of Texas has implemented substantial modifications for the year 2024.
During a recent press conference, fair officials provided an explanation for the decision.
“We feel this is a measure we need to put into place, and as a private organization, we have the ability to do that,” said Karissa Condoianis of the State Fair of Texas.
“Previously, the Fair allowed State Fair attendees with a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC or fka, CHL (concealed handgun license)) to carry their handguns while at the Fair (except for locations prohibited by law), even after virtually all other public events ceased to allow the same. This year, after carefully considering the issue, reviewing the policies of similar Texas events, and consulting with all of our security partners, the State Fair has decided to prohibit open and concealed carry at the fairgrounds. (Active and retired peace officers are authorized to carry within the fairgrounds. Dallas Police officers will verify their credentials at pedestrian entry locations.), ” the State Fair said in a statement.
Also Read: Former Virginia Governors Caution GOP AGs on DOJ Lawsuit, Defend Free Market
The decision has generated criticism. The lawmakers who endorsed the letter contend that gun-free zones do not improve safety, but rather make individuals more vulnerable to attacks.
The letter underscored the fact that “Texans possess the prerogative to protect themselves.”
in a statement
Frazier, a former law enforcement officer, holds the belief that individuals who receive adequate training have the potential to significantly impact critical situations.
“There are so many great officers working the fair, and they’re armed,” Frazier said. “They know how to do it. But when you take the ability away from a citizen who has been training and in a split second could make the difference with his weapon … you’re taking away something we put in law, and there’s a reason it’s in law.”
Contrarily, the State Fair of Texas asserts that their decision is not politically motivated and that, as a private entity, they have the authority to restrict firearms.
The State Fair responded to concerns about the potential decrease in safety resulting from a gun ban by asserting that their policy aligns with the standard approach taken by other large-scale community gatherings.
“We accept people’s rights, and we support them. This is just a measure to create a more family-friendly atmosphere,” the organization said. “The State Fair of Texas spends millions of dollars per year on safety and security measures. Furthermore, the Dallas Police Department has a substation at Fair Park. 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. We take the safety of the State Fair very seriously and will continue to do so.”
Officials have also addressed concerns regarding the possibility of certain persons circumventing the weapons detecting equipment at the entrance.
The State Fair administrators have guaranteed that this year the gates would have a completely new layout in order to ensure comprehensive screening of all participants.
Source: CBS News