How does the State Fair of Texas screen guns? Weekend shooting has security in spotlight
Three people were shot at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas over the weekend, all with non-life threatening injuries.
Around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Dallas Police said shots were fired in the food court inside the Tower Building at the fairgrounds. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Cameron Turner on Sunday, is believed to have opened fire targeting another man and hit other two people in the process, according to the Dallas Police.
At around 8:05 p.m. Saturday, Dallas Police said they had the suspect, now identified as Turner, in custody. All three people hit were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuriesTheir identities have not yet been released.
A gun was recovered from the scene as well, according to Dallas police.
The State Fair of Texas has a number of safety protocols in place, including a new security system for guests when they enter the fairgrounds. Here’s what we know about the safety protocols:
‘OpenGate’ security system at State Fair of Texas
The fair introduced a new “OpenGate” security system for the 2023 edition of the state fair.
Described as a “groundbreaking weapons detection system” from company CEIA, “OpenGate” is designed for a faster screening of people as they enter the fair, akin to a metal detector.
The system scans for metal threats such as guns and knifes in backpacks, purses and bags, without security personnel having to take the bags from guests. But unlike metal detectors, “OpenGate” doesn’t require any mechanical or electrical connection between its two freestanding pillars, according to CEIA.
Each pedestrian gate at the fair has an “OpenGate” system, which guests must walk through to gain entry to the fairgrounds.
“This is going to be where you don’t have to take your phone out of your pocket,” said Karissa Condoianis, fair senior vice president for public relations, at a press conference last month. “You won’t have to put your bag down, this is going to read through all of that.”
Does the State Fair of Texas allow weapons inside grounds?
No weapons of any kind are allowed into the fair such as firearms, knives, tasers, clubs and chemical dispensing devices.
However, the State Fair does allow a person holding a valid Texas License to Carry a Handgun (LTC) to enter the fair with a concealed handgun, provided they know and comply with all applicable laws. Unlicensed gun owners are not allowed to enter the fairgrounds with a firearm, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 46, a LTC holder is prohibited from carrying a handgun on any other premises where a high school, collegiate or professional sporting event is held. The law also applies to interscholastic events.
This means that LTC holders may not be allowed inside Cotton Bowl Stadium, as well as the State Fair’s livestock facilities where interscholastic events are held. Additionally, LTC holders are prohibited on the premises of a business that derives 51% or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
The State Fair does not provide lockers for storage or checking of weapons, so you’ll have to secure your weapon at home or in your vehicle prior to entering the fairgrounds.
What other safety protocols are in place at the State Fair of Texas?
The fair introduced a new policy for minors at this year’s event.
Anyone 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. All accompanying parents, guardian or chaperones aged 21 and older must present a valid ID upon entering the fair.
No more than six minors can be accompanied by an adult at one time, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
The reason for the “minors policy” relates back to an incident at least year’s fair. A group of fairgoers ran through the fairgrounds which led to reports of a shooting, that were later investigated and could not be substantiated by Dallas police.
