State Fair of Texas’s Gun Policy Upheld as Court Rules Against Attorney General

A district judge in Dallas County has ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit that contested the State Fair of Texas’s policy prohibiting firearms, thereby upholding the fair’s gun ban for this year’s event.

On June 24, Judge Emily Tobolowsky issued a ruling granting summary judgment in favor of the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas, effectively concluding the case without proceeding to a full trial. Tobolowsky has yet to offer a written rationale for her choice.

“The top concern for the State Fair is ensuring the safety of our attendees, vendors, volunteers, and staff,” stated fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis, noting that organizers are satisfied with the ruling and intend to maintain the existing gun policy.

A legal action arose due to the State Fair's choice to ban firearms, except for peace officers, after a shooting incident in 2023 that resulted in injuries to three individuals. Cameron Turner has recently pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault stemming from the incident.

Paxton’s office contended that the gun ban violated Texas law and the constitutional right to carry, asserting that the State Fair did not have exclusive control over Fair Park, which is owned by the city. Lawyers representing Dallas and the State Fair argued that the fair organization, being a private leaseholder, possessed the authority to establish its policies.

Efforts by Republican lawmakers to solidify Paxton’s role through new legislation encountered obstacles, as attempts to pass bills that would prohibit private contractors from banning firearms on government property were unsuccessful during the legislative session.

The city of Dallas chose not to provide a statement regarding the ruling, and Paxton’s office remained unresponsive to inquiries for comment. The appellate court confirmed the verdict, reinforcing the State Fair's authority to enforce its firearm regulations without interference from city mandates.