AG Paxton Denied, Gun Ban at State Fair of Texas Remains in Place

A Texas court has denied Ken Paxton's attempt to block a controversial gun ban at the State Fair of Texas beginning this weekend.

State Fair of Texas Gun Ban

The fair begins this weekend from September 27th through October 20th, and Texans have been expressing their opinions not on the new list of fair food items for 2024, but for a decision to ban all personal firearms from the property while attending, according to WFAA.

In a statement to WFAA from the fair itself, they say that "the State Fair of Texas applauds today's unanimous ruling by the Fifteenth Court of Appeals. The State Fair believes our new weapons policy is within the law and we look forward to welcoming fairgoers on Opening Day of the 2024 State Fair."

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took to X following the court's denial of his request.

Although the policy would bar civilians from entering the fairgrounds with a firearm, active and retired peace officers will still be authorized to do so.

2023 State Fair of Texas Shooting

The reason for this decision from the fair to ban guns comes from last year's incident where 22-year-old Cameron Turner opened fire on a busy food court within the fairgrounds before fleeing the scene.

Three people were shot; two men and one woman were hit with non-life threatening injuries.

Turner, who did not have a license to carry a firearm, told police at the time that he felt threatened by the group of people and fired his weapon out of self-defense.