Almost two and a half million people poured through the gates at the State Fair of Texas this year, but this year's fair had a new rule as a result of a shooting in 2023.
People posted a video online after a shooting in the food court during the 2023 state fair showing people hiding under tables as officers had their guns drawn. One guy even posted a video from the ferris wheel as he watched people running below when the fairgrounds were evacuated. Three people were hurt, and a 22-year-old man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Ahead of this year's state fair, security director Jeff Cotner announced a ban on guns as a result.
That policy included people who have a license to carry, concealed carry and permitless carry. The policy did not apply to current or retired police officers. Cotner said the State Fair of Texas was adopting a rule similar to other large events in Texas, including the rodeos in Austin, Houston and San Antonio.
But the Texas Attorney General sued, saying neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair can infringe on Texans' right to self-defense. At a hearing in Dallas, an investigator from the AG's office said he was already getting complaints, arguing an unlicensed gun owner committed a crime last year, so the State Fair was punishing licensed gun owners by taking away their ability to defend themselves.
Ken Paxton's office argued the fair itself might be an independent non-profit, but the fair coordinates with the City of Dallas and Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Plus, Paxton's office argued the fair might be independent, but people would have to pass through city property to reach it.
As soon as arguments wrapped up, a judge rejected the state's argument for a temporary injunction, allowing the ban to take effect for this year's fair. The state's lawyers left without talking, but State Fair of Texas President Mitch Glieber said he could now look forward to the fair itself.
When the fair opened, the ban was in place. The State Fair of Texas' Karissa Condionis says they started working with Dallas police, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police, Dallas Fire Rescue and Homeland Security in January.
This year, people noticed more security at the gates. The State Fair had started using technology last year to screen people as they come through.
But a victim filed a civil lawsuit against the company this summer that's still working through court. Director of Security Jeff Cotner says as people walked through the machines, a licensed officer would be watching for prohibited items. The State Fair had redesigned entryways.
But while the fair avoided the injunction and could ban guns this year, the Attorney General's lawsuit is still working through court. City of Dallas lawyer Jeff Tillotson described the judge's ruling not to grant the injunction as thoughtful.
The fair's lawyer, Robert Smith, says even though the judge allowed the ban to take effect this year, that doesn't settle the matter entirely. She refused the Attorney General's request for an injunction, but the lawsuit is still making its way through court.
Three fairgoers have now joined the AG's suit, asking for a million dollars in damages and an order to let people carry guns. Hearings will start in 2025. The State Fair of Texas opens Friday, September 26th.
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