DALLAS — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Thursday seeking to block a ban on firearms at the State Fair of Texas, one of the state's biggest annual celebrations.
Fair organizers earlier this month announced a ban on guns after a shooting last year that left three people wounded. The move drew swift criticism from Republican state lawmakers, who have proudly expanded gun rights in recent years. Paxton, a Republican, threatened to sue if the ban was not repealed.
Paxton said Texas allows gun owners to carry firearms in places owned or leased by government entities unless otherwise prohibited by law. Fair Park is owned by the City of Dallas, which contracts with the State Fair of Texas for the management of the annual fair.
Paxton called the ban an illegal restriction on gun owners' rights. Texas allows people to carry a handgun without a license, background check or training.
“Neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair of Texas can infringe on Texans’ right to self-defense," Paxton said.
In a statement, the city government of Dallas said it is “aware of the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas and disagrees with the allegations against the City and interim city manager. The City was not involved in the State Fair of Texas’ announcement of its enhanced weapons policy. The State Fair of Texas is a private event operated and controlled by a private, non-profit entity and not the City.”
State fair officials did not immediately respond to email requests for comment.
The fair, which reopens in September and lasts for nearly a month, dates back to 1886. In addition to a maze of midway games, car shows and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel — one of the tallest in the U.S. — the fairgrounds are also home to the annual college football rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma.
Guns not allowed at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Paxton's argument raises questions about whether he'll also file lawsuits against other big events in Texas like RodeoHouston or sporting events and concerts at NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center.
According to the rodeo's website, all firearms and "other weapons of any kind" are banned.
"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in an effort to provide a safe environment and promote a family-friendly atmosphere at the city’s iconic entertainment event, will prohibit concealed and open carry of firearms by private citizens anywhere on the Rodeo Grounds including NRG Stadium," the policy states.
"This prohibition includes Firearms and/or ammunition (licensed or unlicensed) pursuant to Texas Penal Code § 30.06 and 30.07.
"Other prohibited items include:
• Firearms and/or ammunition. Air guns, BB Guns, pellet guns, paintball guns and slingshots.
• Firearm replicas, including non-firing imitations, toys and their components.
• Other Weapons of any kind. Legal pocketknives are permitted.
• Any items deemed inappropriate or hazardous by NRG Park or HLSR security."
Bags are searched at HLSR and at Texans, Astros and Rockets games and other events like concerts. Most venues only allow small clear purses now.