The State Fair of Texas has announced that firearms will be prohibited at this year’s event, a decision that has drawn criticism from gun rights advocates.
Held annually in Dallas since 1886, the fair attracts millions of visitors each year. This week, organizers introduced a new set of safety regulations, which include a ban on all firearms, even for those with a license to carry.
Previously, licensed individuals were permitted to carry firearms at the fair. However, last year, three people were injured in a shooting at the fair’s food court. The shooter, Cameron Turner, did not possess a license.
Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights, criticized the new policy, stating that it endangers attendees.
“This is yet another feel-good measure that does nothing to enhance safety. The data consistently shows that ‘gun-free zones’ are dangerous, with 94 percent of mass shootings occurring in these areas. By enforcing this policy, they are essentially asking fairgoers to compromise their safety and become easy targets,” McNutt said.
“The shooter last year was already breaking the law by carrying a firearm, so disarming law-abiding citizens to improve safety is absurd,” he added.
The fair will run from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 20.
