State Fair of Texas is sued by state’s Republican AG over new rule banning guns on premises

DALLAS (AP) — Texas Legal professional Normal Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Thursday looking for to dam a ban on firearms on the State Truthful of Texas, one of many state’s greatest annual celebrations.

Truthful organizers earlier this month introduced a ban on weapons after a taking pictures final 12 months on the 277-acre (112-hectare) fairgrounds within the coronary heart of Dallas. The transfer drew swift criticism from Republican state lawmakers, who’ve proudly expanded gun rights in recent times. Paxton, a Republican, threatened to sue if the ban was not repealed.

Paxton mentioned Texas permits gun homeowners to hold firearms in locations owned or leased by authorities entities until in any other case prohibited by legislation. Truthful Park is owned by the Metropolis of Dallas, which contracts with the State Truthful of Texas for the administration of the annual truthful.

Paxton known as the the ban an unlawful restriction on gun homeowners’ rights. Texas permits individuals to hold a handgun with no license, background examine or coaching.

“Neither the Metropolis of Dallas nor the State Truthful of Texas can infringe on Texans’ proper to self-defense,” Paxton mentioned.

Dallas metropolis officers declined touch upon the lawsuit. State truthful officers didn’t instantly reply to e mail requests for remark.

The truthful, which reopens in September and lasts for almost a month, dates again to 1886. Along with a maze of halfway video games, automobile exhibits and the Texas Star Ferris Wheel — one of many tallest within the U.S. — the fairgrounds are additionally residence to the annual faculty soccer rivalry between the College of Texas and College of Oklahoma.