State Fair Shooting Sparks Urgent Calls for Gun Control!
Harrowing State Fair Shooting: Calls for Gun Control Intensify
The State Fair of Texas has revealed its intentions to reopen the fairgrounds at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, despite an unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday evening, wherein a gunman injured three individuals.
The suspect behind this incident, identified by Dallas police as 22-year-old Cameron Turner, has been charged with aggravated assault.
In a statement released on Sunday morning, The State Fair of Texas expressed its deep sorrow over the events that unfolded on the fairgrounds the previous night. The statement emphasized that safety stands as their utmost priority. The organization is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the required level of security to ensure that the State Fair of Texas remains a secure and family-friendly environment for all fairgoers, vendors, and staff.
The statement also conveyed an eagerness to welcome guests on Sunday, October 15, starting at 2:00 p.m., while urging everyone to remain “Fair Aware.” They encouraged individuals to promptly report any suspicious activity or concerns on the fairgrounds to uniformed police officers or members of the State Fair Safety Team.
One visitor to the fair posted the video shared below, describing it as “the most terrifying moment I’ve ever experienced.”
Yet another attendee at the fair posted videos and photos documenting the scene in the food court as people began to disperse.
A third fair attendee, Awbrey Steele, provided CBS News Texas with video footage and recounted her experience while aboard the Ferris wheel, observing the chaos below as people fled.
As we were about to board the Ferris wheel, we suddenly heard cries,” she recounted. “There were no gunshots, but an abrupt panic ensued, with everyone rushing toward the exits. The fairground staff refrained from providing information about the incident and simply informed us of the fair’s closure. Numerous heavily armed police officers were stationed at the exits, and a pervasive sense of urgency permeated as they directed everyone to head home.”
“We made about three rounds or so on the Ferris wheel,” Steele continued. “But up there, we couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling. The widespread panic led us to suspect it might be a shooting, yet we couldn’t confirm if it was a random mass shooting. Fortunately, the fairground staff remained on hand to manage the Ferris wheel. If it had been a mass shooting, we would have been far more terrified, as we would have been stuck up there with no means of escape.”
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson responded to the shooting, stating, “The State Fair of Texas is a cherished event, a celebration of food, family, and enjoyment. While this incident appears to be an isolated one, I am deeply dismayed that anyone would resort to violence at the Fair. Such behavior will not be tolerated. I have confidence that @DallasPD, responsible for Fair security, will collaborate with @StateFairOfTX to ensure the event’s remaining duration is secure for all.”
Although the State Fair has indicated that it currently has no plans to modify its weapons policy, they mentioned, “As a precautionary measure, we are collaborating with DPD and our private security partners to enhance security measures at all entrances and bolster security presence throughout the fairgrounds for the remainder of the Fair.”
On Saturday night at the State Fair of Texas, a shooting incident left three individuals injured, and one person is now in custody.
According to the Dallas police, the injured individuals have been hospitalized and are reported to be in stable, non-life-threatening condition.
The incident unfolded with reports of an active shooter in the food court around 7:45 p.m., leading to the evacuation of the Fair. While information was limited during the ongoing situation, law enforcement confirmed that the suspect had been targeting another individual. Shortly after 8 p.m., the suspect was apprehended after attempting to flee the area, and the firearm was recovered.
Dallas City Council member Adam R. Bazaldua revealed that City Manager T.C. Broadnax indicated the shooting stemmed from a conflict between two individuals who were acquainted.
Bazaldua expressed his perspective on the matter, stating, “While the right to bear arms is one thing, legislative decisions, such as permit-less carry, can make it easier for senseless acts of gun violence like this to occur in our state. I hope that our colleagues in Austin, particularly those in the Republican party, will pass meaningful gun legislation to enhance the sense of security for our constituents in public spaces.”
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
