DALLAS — Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua is condemning Republican lawmakers’ calls to reverse a gun ban at this year’s State Fair of Texas.

What You Need To Know

  • Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua condemned lawmakers' calls to reverse a gun ban at the State Fair of Texas

  • Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday threatened to take legal action against the City of Dallas if the policy is not reversed in 15 days, citing a violation of state law on carrying firearms

  • Bazaldua praised the State Fair and said it’s “shameful” that lawmakers “are trying to strong arm and bully” the organization

  • The State Fair this year added additional safety measures including a weapons screening at the entry gate and a 24-hour command center for oversight and incident notification

The State Fair, which takes place at Dallas’ Fair Park each year, banned all weapons in response to a shooting at the fairgrounds that injured three people in 2023.

The decision didn’t bode well with Republican lawmakers, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, who on Wednesday threatened to take legal action against the City of Dallas if the policy is not reversed in 15 days.

Paxton said the State Fair’s gun ban violates state law on carrying firearms.

“Texas law clearly states that license to carry holders may not be prevented from carrying a firearm on property owned or leased by the government unless otherwise prevented by state statute,” Paxton said. “The State Fair of Texas’s recent policy that infringes on LTC holders’ Second Amendment rights is unlawful. Dallas has fifteen days to fix the issue, otherwise I will see them in court.”

In a letter to the city, Paxton’s office said it would seek injunctive relief and collect civil penalties up to $1,500 for each violation per day.

This week, more than 70 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a separate letter urging State Fair officials to reverse the ban, according to a report from the Texas Tribune.

In a statement to Spectrum News, Bazaldua praised the State Fair and said it’s “shameful” that lawmakers “are trying to strong arm and bully” the organization.

“I hope these state officials will better use their time to address critical needs in our state instead of playing political games and dragging innocent parties along with them. To the State Fair of Texas, Thank you for prioritizing the safety first for our fairgoers and making necessary changes to your policy to help accomplish that goal,” Bazaldua said.

In a statement to the Associated Press on Wednesday, fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis defended the new policy.

“This is the right decision moving forward to ensure a safe environment and family-friendly atmosphere,” Condoianis said.

The State Fair this year added additional safety measures such as weapons screening at the entry gate and a 24-hour command center for oversight and incident notification.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that Adam Bazaldua is Dallas deputy mayor pro tem. (Aug. 19, 2023)