Texas Fair Under Fire for Banning Concealed Carry: Lawmakers Push Back

Seventy Texas lawmakers have signed a letter urging the State Fair of Texas to reverse its newly implemented ban on concealed carry, which they argue undermines public safety. The policy change comes after a shooting incident last year, but critics believe it makes law-abiding citizens more vulnerable.

DALLAS, TX (3-minute read) — A major controversy is brewing in Texas as 70 state lawmakers have signed a letter urging the State Fair of Texas Board of Directors to reverse their recent decision to ban concealed carry on fairgrounds. This policy change follows a shooting incident at Fair Park last year, where 23-year-old Cameron Turner injured three people. Despite Turner not being licensed to carry, the State Fair has decided to implement a ban on both open and concealed carry for the 2024 season.

At a press conference, Karissa Condoianis, a representative of the State Fair of Texas, explained that the decision was made after careful consideration of similar policies at other major Texas events and consultations with security partners.

The official statement from the State Fair emphasized that while they previously allowed attendees with a valid Texas License to Carry (LTC) to carry their firearms on the premises, this year, the board has decided to align with other large-scale events by prohibiting both open and concealed carry. The only exception to this rule will be for active and retired peace officers, whose credentials will be verified at entry points.

This decision has ignited strong opposition. Lawmakers, particularly State Rep. Frederick Frazier (R-McKinney), argue that the ban creates a gun-free zone, making fairgoers “targets” rather than improving safety. “If they have the ability to protect themselves and others, let them do it,” Frazier stated, emphasizing that trained and licensed citizens could play a crucial role in preventing or mitigating violent incidents.

Frazier, a former law enforcement officer, pointed out that while there are many capable officers at the fair, the presence of armed, responsible citizens could provide an additional layer of security. “When you take the ability away from a citizen who has been training and in a split second could make the difference with his firearm, you’re taking away something we put in law, and there’s a reason it’s in law,” Frazier added.

The State Fair, however, maintains that the decision is not politically motivated but rather a step toward creating a safer, more family-friendly environment. The fairgrounds are heavily patrolled by over 200 uniformed and armed Dallas Police Department officers and State Fair Safety Team members. The State Fair has also invested in an updated entrance layout to enhance weapons detection and ensure thorough screening of all attendees.

Despite these measures, critics remain unconvinced, arguing that the ban could deter responsible gun owners from attending and leave attendees more vulnerable. The debate over the concealed carry ban at the State Fair of Texas is likely to continue as both sides stand firm on their positions.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of the specific firearm laws and regulations in your area, especially when attending large public events.