A Dallas County judge has thrown out Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against the State Fair of Texas and the City of Dallas over new gun rules put in place after a shooting at last year’s fair. The shooting injured three people and led the fair to tighten its gun policy ahead of the 2024 event.
Judge Emily Tobolowsky ruled on June 24 to dismiss the case, granting summary judgment in favor of the city and the fair. This decision means the lawsuit will not go to trial. Earlier, Tobolowsky had also denied Paxton’s request to block the fair’s ability to enforce its gun restrictions for the upcoming event.
Paxton had argued that the new rules—banning licensed gun owners from carrying firearms on the fairgrounds during the 24-day event—violated state law and Texans’ Second Amendment rights. He claimed that neither the City of Dallas nor the State Fair could override state law or prevent people from defending themselves.
However, an appeals court and the Texas Supreme Court also rejected Paxton’s efforts to stop the gun ban. Before these changes, the fair allowed people with valid handgun licenses to carry concealed weapons.
The State Fair of Texas said it is happy with the outcome. A spokesperson, Karissa Condoianis, stressed the fair is not taking a political side on gun laws. She said their new policy is similar to rules at other Texas events, like sports games and concerts. The fair spends millions on safety each year and plans to keep working closely with the Dallas Police Department and law enforcement officers to keep the grounds secure.
The ruling came just one day after Cameron Turner, the 23-year-old man responsible for the shooting, pleaded guilty. He admitted to two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a weapon where it wasn’t allowed. Turner will serve two prison sentences of 12 and 10 years, served at the same time.
Meanwhile, efforts in the Texas Legislature to pass a bill aimed at stopping the fair from enforcing gun restrictions didn’t make it to a full vote.
The case highlights ongoing debates in Texas about gun rights and public safety, especially at large events. For now, the State Fair of Texas will continue with its stricter gun policy designed to protect visitors and workers during the popular annual event.