Judge denies preliminary injunction to block concealed gun ban at North Carolina State Fair
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- At a hearing Monday, a Wake County judge declined to issue a preliminary injunction that would have allowed gun owners with concealed carry permits to bring their weapons to the North Carolina State Fair, which kicks off on Thursday.
The state fairgrounds has had signs posted against concealed firearms for years, but recently - when a gun rights group protested - those signs were taken down.
The group, Grass Roots North Carolina, claims a state firearms law now allows those who have concealed/carry permits to bring their guns to the Fair.
The law was rewritten a couple of months after the 2013 fair.
The president of Grass Roots NC has said the only state properties where legally concealed guns aren't allowed are listed in the new law.
"The state does prohibit firearms in a limited number of places such as the Governor's Mansion, the courts and some other places," Paul Valone said. "And the statute specifically lists where guns are prohibited but it does not list the State Fair."
State Fair officials say the law isn't that clear and that they were looking forward to presenting their side to the judge.
The state's Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler -- who oversees the fair -- has said he's in favor of gun rights, but opposed to guns on the fairgrounds other than in the hands of the hundreds of law officers who cover the event.
"We want to thank Judge Stephens for upholding the longstanding policy banning weapons at the State Fair and for issuing his decision so quickly. The fair-going public will now know what to expect as they make plans to attend the fair," Troxler said. "As it always has been, the State Fair is a place for families to come out and have fun, learn about agriculture and enjoy themselves."
