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A shooting Saturday evening prompted questions and concerns about security at the State Fair of Texas.
Here’s what we know:
Are guns allowed on the fairgrounds?
The State Fair’s website states no weapons are allowed on the fairgrounds, including firearms, knives, clubs, tasers, chemical dispensing devices, and all sharp metal objects like pocket knives and scissors.
However, the website also says the fair “has long allowed Fair attendees with valid handgun licenses to carry their handguns in a concealed manner.”
Are visitors checked for weapons at the gate?
Instead of metal detectors, fair visitors walk through what is known as an “open gate system,” which detects dense metal like knives or guns.
The fair doesn’t enforce a clear bag policy, but all bags, strollers, coolers and other containers are searched ahead of entry.
Are there security cameras?
According to KXAS-TV (NBC5), more than 60 surveillance cameras are in use around the fairgrounds.
What other policies are in place?
A new policy implemented this year requires children 17 and younger entering the fairgrounds after 5 p.m. to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21. However, minors and chaperones are not required to remain together once inside.
“Comparable policies are being instated industry-wide, and the State Fair of Texas believes this policy is the best course of action to enhance the existing safety measures for all fairgoers, vendors, and employees,” Jaime Navarro, the fair’s chief operating officer, wrote in a statement announcing the policy in August.
What does “Fair Aware” mean?
“Fair Aware” is a term coined by the organization encouraging attendees to report anything that “doesn’t look right” on the fairgrounds. Attendees are asked to report concerns to a uniformed police officer or a member of the fair’s safety team.
Police officers are stationed throughout the fairground, including on foot, elevated watchtowers and mounted patrol.