Guns don't belong at the State Fair

Image: Big Tex image courtesy of the State Fair of Texas

August 14, 2024

Last year, three people were shot and wounded at the State Fair of Texas. Organizers of the Fair took responsible action: they consulted with security partners and reviewed policies of similar events in Texas. As a result, they recently announced that guns would not be allowed into the fair. Instead, fair-goers are protected by over 200 security guards. We appreciate this common sense approach to ensuring a safe environment for Texans at the fair, which attracts around 2 million people each year. 

Unfortunately, a group of over 70 Texas lawmakers have signed a letter fighting to overrule this safety measure. They claim that people will be less safe without guns. These lawmakers are planning to legislate to ‘further protect [gun] rights next session,’ and Attorney General Paxton is now threatening to sue the fair. 

We need to speak the truth, loud and clear, now and in the coming legislative session. The REAL threat to safety is an abundance of unregulated firearms in public. We need to prioritize the safety of people.

Will you make a gift today to make sure we can fight for common sense and safety? Session is fast approaching, and we need your help to defeat bills that loosen safety restrictions.

In solidarity,

Nicole Golden

Executive Director