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By Jordan King
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Texas House Republicans are pushing for the State Fair of Texas to go back on its decision to ban weapons from the event.
As of Monday, some 71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees had signed a petition arguing that the new policy, announced last week, makes folks "less safe."
The State Fair previously allowed licensed gun owners to carry their firearms but this year folks will be "screened for weapons either by a walk-through or hand-held detection device," it now says on the fair's code of conduct.
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It comes around a year after a gunman opened fire at the fair and injured three people, for which 22-year-old Cameron Turner was indicted with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The petition, sent to the State Fair of Texas Board of Directors, says: "We, the undersigned, write to you today, encouraging you to rescind your policy which bans law-abiding citizens from carrying firearms at the State Fair of Texas. While it may be that your new policy placates some, the result will make your patrons less safe."
It went on to cite statistics and arguments against gun-free zones, calling them "magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil."
They wrote: "Recent tragedies have demonstrated the sad reality that you can die while waiting on law enforcement to save your life—Those who choose to assume responsibility for their own safety understand this harsh reality.
"The State Fair of Texas claims to be a 'celebration of all things Texas,' yet this new policy is anything but a celebration of Texas."
The lawmakers also threatened legal action, saying: "Your actions raise questions about the need for legislation next Session to further protect these rights (the Second Amendment Rights) on lands managed by the public."
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When the policy was first announced and attracted backlash, State Fair spokesperson Karissa Condoianis told the Houston outlet Chron: "For us to continue offering a safe event for all, we feel this is an important measure to implement. As a private, not-for-profit organization, the State Fair of Texas leases property from the City of Dallas for its event. The State Fair is not a government entity nor is it controlled or supported by a government entity."
Those who signed the letter include Rep. Trent Ashby, Rep. Keith Bell, Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., Rep. Brad Buckley, Rep. Bren Bumgarner and Rep. Dustin Burrows.
Newsweek has contacted the State Fair of Texas via email for a response to Monday's letter.
This year's State Fair of Texas will run from September 27 to October 20.
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