Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reaffirmed his commitment to defending Texans’ Second Amendment rights after the Texas Supreme Court upheld a firearm ban at the State Fair of Texas. The court declined to intervene in the fair’s decision to prohibit firearms on public property, a ruling Paxton says he will continue to challenge in court.
On Thursday, the Texas Supreme Court opted not to overturn the gun ban, which is in effect for the duration of the fair. Paxton responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing that the city of Dallas and the fair’s organizers are violating state law by restricting Texans from carrying firearms on public property.
“Texans have a right to lawfully carry, and the City of Dallas has no authority to contract their rights away to a private entity,” Paxton said. “This case is not over. I will continue to fight this on the merits to uphold Texans’ ability to defend themselves.”
Paxton’s lawsuit will now proceed to a full trial in Dallas County district court, set for June. The legal battle centers on whether a private entity, such as the State Fair, has the right to forbid firearms on publicly leased property. Paxton also announced his intention to work with the Texas Legislature to strengthen protections for lawful gun owners.
Justice Jimmy Blalock, in his opinion, noted that the state’s filings did not adequately address whether Texas law explicitly grants citizens the right to carry firearms at large public events like the State Fair. This question remains a point of contention as the case moves forward.