Republicans in the Texas State house are calling on Texas State Fair officials to lift a gun prohibition slated to be  imposed on fair attendees in 2024.

According to a report by The Texas Tribune, fair officials revealed the policy change in early August. As AWR Hawkins of Breitbart News noted, this marked a significant change from previous policy, which let licensed concealed carry permit holders carry firearms concealed for the purpose of self-defense .

The fair changed its policy due to a shooting that took place in 2023 that resulted in three people being injured.

Per the Texas Tribune, “71 state lawmakers and Republican House nominees signed a petition saying the new policy makes the fair ‘less safe’ because ‘Gun free zones are magnets for crime because they present less of a threat to those who seek to do evil.’”

Gun-free zones are criminal safe faces no matter how one slices it. The best way to keep an area safe is having law-abiding people be armed — whether they be civilians with concealed carry licenses or private security, 

However, sticking signs that say “no guns allowed” will not deter criminals whatsoever. It’s the height of naïvete to believe otherwise. Sadly, many policymakers operate under the assumption that implementing gun control regulations will somehow make venues where tons of people congregate magically safe from attacks. 

Good on these Texas Republicans standing up for gun rights. We’re going to need more acts of courage to take place in order to restore freedoms in the US.