In a heated response to the recent ban on concealed carry at the highly anticipated State Fair of Texas, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened to sue the city of Dallas. The decision to prohibit guns on fairgrounds, unless carried by retired or active peace officers, has sparked a fierce debate over the interpretation of existing Texas laws.

Last week, the State Fair announced its new policy, prompting Paxton to fire off a letter to Dallas Interim City Manager Kim Tolbert. In the letter, Paxton argued that the ban on firearms violated the rights protected under the Second Amendment. "Texas law clearly states that license to carry holders may not be prevented from carrying a firearm on government-owned or leased property, unless otherwise stated by state statute," Paxton wrote. He labeled the State Fair's policy as unlawful and demanded that the issue be rectified within fifteen days, or he would take them to court.

Paxton's impending legal action follows a joint statement issued by 70 state officials who expressed their disappointment with the ban. They echoed the attorney general's concerns, questioning the compatibility of the new policy with existing Texas laws.

The State Fair, on the other hand, maintains that as a private, not-for-profit organization, they have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. They argue that their status allows them to implement such regulations for the safety and welfare of fairgoers. The State Fair has emphasized that there will be ample police and security presence throughout the 24-day event.

"We are aware of the letter sent by the Texas Attorney General's Office to the City of Dallas regarding the recent announcement on firearms at the annual State Fair," said the State Fair of Texas in a statement to FOX 7. "It seems that the Attorney General's Office is seeking clarification on the relationship between the City and the State Fair of Texas, as well as the fair's usage of Fair Park under a long-term lease agreement. We are ready to cooperate with the city as necessary."

The change in the fair's policy came in the wake of a shooting incident where three individuals were injured inside the fair's food court. Cameron Turner, the suspect, is set to go to trial in late October. Turner, who did not possess a license to carry a firearm, managed to bring the gun through security, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the fair's existing security measures.

As the dispute continues to unfold, both sides remain steadfast in their positions. The Texas Attorney General's Office is pushing for clarification on the fair's private status and lease agreement, while the State Fair of Texas is asserting its authority to implement the ban in the interest of public safety.