Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against five Texas businesses, four of which are prominent venues in North Texas.
The targeted establishments are The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Meow Wolf in Grapevine, The Lucky Duck in San Antonio, and the State Fair of Texas.
These actions underline Paxton’s commitment to upholding the safety and security of Texans, challenging policies that prevent off-duty officers from carrying their firearms on these premises.
Citing the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 2.1305, Paxton’s lawsuits argue that restricting off-duty peace officers from carrying authorized weapons not only contravenes state law but also endangers public safety by limiting the officers’ capacity to respond to criminal activities. This legal stance reinforces the principle that peace officers, whether on or off duty, play a vital role in crime prevention and public protection.
Despite receiving prior assurances from these businesses that they would adhere to Texas law, continued complaints from peace officers have necessitated legal action. Paxton’s office is now aggressively seeking enforcement of the law, with penalties amounting to a $1,000 fine for each violation, in addition to attorney fees and court costs.
Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, commended Paxton’s decisive measures, stating, “Attorney General Paxton’s firm stance in defending the rights of peace officers to carry their firearms off-duty is not just a win for our officers but for the safety of all Texans. We stand with Paxton in this fight and continue to advocate for the elimination of gun-free zones for all individuals, which only serve as criminal safety zones, putting innocent lives at risk.”
Texas Gun Rights supports Paxton’s position, emphasizing the broader goal of abolishing gun-free zones statewide. The organization argues that these areas inadvertently create vulnerable targets for criminal activities, underlining the need for legislation that allows law-abiding citizens and officers to protect themselves and others, regardless of their location.
Paxton’s lawsuits send a clear message to businesses and venues across Texas: the rights of off-duty peace officers to carry firearms for public safety must be respected. As the legal battle unfolds, it underscores the ongoing debate over gun rights and public safety in Texas, with Paxton and Texas Gun Rights at the forefront of advocating for policies that enhance the security and freedom of all Texans.
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