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Texas House Republicans are urging State Fair officials to reconsider their decision to ban firearms from the fairgrounds.
Following a recent announcement by fair officials and law enforcement, House Republicans voiced concerns about the ban, citing safety issues and potential crime increase due to gun-free zones.
The State Fair of Texas, known for its celebration of Texan culture, is set to kick off on Sept. 27 in Dallas.
A petition signed by 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees expressed concerns about the safety implications of the gun ban, suggesting that it could make the fair less safe for attendees.
The lawmakers warned that they might pursue legislative action if the ban remains in place and underscored the importance of protecting rights on public lands.
In addition, Texas Gun Rights, a gun advocacy group, criticized the ban, stating that gun-free zones are ineffective in enhancing safety and urged the fair to reconsider its decision.
The shooting incident at the fair’s food court last year, which resulted in injuries to three individuals, led to the implementation of the ban. The suspect, 22-year-old Cameron Turner, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and unlawfully carrying a weapon in a prohibited area.
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