More than 70 Texas House Republicans have strong words for the State Fair of Texas, asking that the nonprofit rescind a recent security change in a public letter.
Last week, the State Fair of Texas rolled out new security measures, including banning most people from carrying guns into Fair Park.
The State Fair of Texas runs for 24 days in Dallas's Fair Park. Guns are prohibited unless the person carrying the weapon is a current or retired peace officer. People entering the fairgrounds will have to go through weapon-detecting equipment after a shooting caused the fair to evacuate last year.
“We have plenty of time for them to reconsider. I think they have said or indicating that they don’t plan to do that but hopefully with enough pressure and people speaking out, they will change their minds," said Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian).
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The letter argued four out of five mass shootings in the past 25 years happened in areas where guns were supposed to be banned. Harrison told NBC 5 he'd rather fairgoers be armed to defend themselves if another shooting happens.
Harrison said he would support a legislative change in the next session.
“When it comes to protecting the Second Amendment. When it comes to protecting the constitution, all options are on the table next legislative session. Absolutely," he said.
Fair leaders recently laid out the new security measures after a shooting in the food court in October 2023. A man faces criminal charges after three people were injured. The 22-year-old is arguing in court he pulled out his gun in self-defense, but police are skeptical of that claim. The case is working its way through the court system.
The new policies also include other measures, such as making the bag-size limit smaller and increasing gate security.
The State Fair of Texas is, and always has been, a private entity. As a private, not-for-profit organization, the State Fair of Texas leases the property from the City of Dallas for its event," Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations for the State Fair of Texas, wrote NBC 5.
To the contention that they are creating a "gun-free zone," State Fair leaders disagree, pointing to the 200 uniformed and armed Dallas police officers to be stationed in Fair Park during the three-week event.
"We know that this is an important issue for many Texans and that the fair’s decision may disappoint potential fairgoers who regularly and responsibly practice license to carry or constitutional carry. However, the fair strongly believes that this is the right decision moving forward to ensure a safe environment and family-friendly atmosphere," Condoianis wrote.
The lawmakers' letter also threatened a law to force a change next year: “Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next session to further protect these rights on land managed by the public.”
