Texas AG Threatens to Sue City of Dallas Unless It Reverses State Fair Gun Ban

The State Fair of Texas had updated its security plan, banning fairgoers from carrying all firearms.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened to sue the city of Dallas if the State Fair of Texas, a nonprofit organization, does not reverse its decision to ban people from bringing guns onto its fairgrounds this September.

In a letter addressed to interim city manager Kim Bizor Tolbert on Aug. 13, Paxton warned that the gun ban violates state law, specifically Texas Government Code Section 411.209(a).

That law prevents state agencies in Texas from prohibiting licensed gun holders from accessing property owned or leased by the government.

The Texas attorney general said Fair Park, where the event will take place, is owned by the city and that the State Fair of Texas leases the 277-acre grounds from the city over a 24-day period every fall.

He then pointed to an Aug. 8 announcement by the State Fair of Texas revealing that it is making “several additions” to its “comprehensive safety and security plan” at this year’s fair.

This includes banning fairgoers—including holders of a License to Carry, Constitutional Carry, and Concealed Carry license—from carrying all firearms.