DALLAS — A group of Texas lawmakers has signed onto a letter calling on the State Fair of Texas’ board of directors to rescind the policy announced last week prohibiting guns at the fair this year.
State Fair officials said last week that no weapons would be allowed at the fair this year, which begins Sept. 27.
The new policy comes after Dallas police said three people were injured after someone fired a gun in the fairgrounds last year.
“While it may be that your new policy placates some, the result will make your patrons less safe,” the letter signed by about 70 state lawmakers reads. “Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil. Law-abiding citizens in the United States use firearms daily to defend themselves against criminals.”
“The Texas Legislature has repeatedly enhanced Texans’ Second Amendment rights, but your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next Session to further protect these rights on lands managed by the public,” the letter continued.
When asked about the letter, the State Fair of Texas said in a statement that officials “disagree” with the suggestion that the new policy makes the fair a “’gun free’ zone and therefore less safe than before.”
“Over the last few days, the State Fair of Texas has received both criticism and praise for changing its security and weapons policy,” the State Fair said in a statement. “The State Fair of Texas has long been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of the rights of responsible gun owning Texans. For that reason, 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.”
The fair says active and retired peace officers are authorized to carry within the fairgrounds, and Dallas police officers will verify their credentials at pedestrian entry locations.
“It has been suggested that this decision makes the State Fair a ‘gun free’ zone and therefore less safe than before. We disagree with this suggestion. The State Fair has adopted a similar policy to that of most mass community gathering events like athletic competitions, concerts, and other Fairs throughout the state and across the nation,” the statement from the State Fair continued. “We know that this is an important issue for many Texans, and that the Fair’s decision may disappoint potential fairgoers who regularly and responsibly practice License to Carry or Constitutional Carry. However, the Fair strongly believes that this is the right decision moving forward to ensure a safe environment and family-friendly atmosphere. The State Fair of Texas works with DPD, DFR, DART Police, DISD Police, regional, state, and federal partners as well as private security partners to help keep fairgoers, employees, and vendors safe.”
Among other new security measures announced last week, the State Fair says this year they’re also only allowing bags inside that are 9 in. x 10 in. x 12 in., and there will be a 24/7 command center.
“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,” the fair said in a statement. “The State Fair of Texas works with DPD, DFR, DART Police, DISD Police, regional, state, and federal partners as well as private security partners to help keep fairgoers, employees, and vendors safe. “
For more information, visit the state fair’s website.