Follow-up: Judge Stands By Decision To Ban Concealed Firearms At State Fair

Last week, we talked about the group that was advocating to be able to carry concealed firearms at the North Carolina State Fair. We don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately the judge ruled on Monday that concealed handguns will not be permitted at the fair.

Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens feels that, “It would be unwise and imprudent to allow firearms into the State Fair.”

Although guns have not been permitted at the fair in decades, the advocacy group called Grass Roots North Carolina was pushing for this to change. Just as officials have in past years, they will continue to put up signs warning people against lawful conceal carry at the fair. They will ask anyone with a firearm going through metal detectors at fair gates to leave it in their vehicle.

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Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler spoke about the decision. There is a vaguely worded 2013 state law that declares that people are not allowed to bring firearms into any events that charge admission. Troxler says, “A weapons ban is just one way to minimize risk and maintain a family-friendly environment.”

Because the law is not clearly and specifically worded, Grass Roots North Carolina says there is nothing in the law that requires Troxler to prohibit guns.

“I don’t know why people should be concerned about concealed handgun permit holders at the State Fair. They’ve been carrying next to them in grocery store lines since 1995, all without incident.”

Understandably, many people are very frustrated with this decision and dozens of people have reported that they will not be attending the fair if concealed weapons were allowed. Troxler says,

“I believe that the mix of kids, guns, rides and large crowds is a bad idea.”

He said that many personal items are lost when people are on the rides, and of course officials would not want guns falling into the wrong hands.

Grass Roots N.C. President Paul Valone expresses his opinion on the matter:

“I don’t know why people should be concerned about concealed handgun permit holders at the State Fair. They’ve been carrying next to them in grocery store lines since 1995, all without incident.”

What are your thoughts on the situation?