Dallas Judge Dismisses Ken Paxton Lawsuit Against State Fair Gun Ban

A Dallas County judge dismissed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit challenging the State Fair of Texas' firearms ban, which was implemented following a 2023 shooting that injured three people. The ban restricts gun carry to law enforcement and retired officers, a policy upheld by the court despite Paxton’s argument that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. The shooting involved gunman Cameron Turner, who recently pleaded guilty and received a 12-year sentence. The judge’s dismissal came without detailed explanation and follows prior denial of Paxton’s requests for injunctions by lower courts and the Texas Supreme Court. The State Fair of Texas, a private nonprofit operating on city-owned Fair Park, maintains the ban as essential for public safety, a position supported by substantial police presence during the event. Legislative attempts to overturn the ban have also failed, indicating ongoing tensions between gun rights advocates and public safety concerns at large events in Texas.