Gun owner's group sues Minnesota State Fair to allow permit holders to carry guns
Minnesota State Fair crowds. (FOX 9)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) - A gun owner’s group is suing to allow permit holders to carry handguns on the fairgrounds during this year’s Minnesota State Fair.
The Minnesota Gun Owner’s Caucus filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Ramsey County, Sheriff Bob Fletcher and the Minnesota State Fair, alleging the State Fair’s ban on weapons violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The two other plaintiffs are a reverend and a Ramsey County resident who both say they want to bring their guns to the fair for self-defense.
The lawsuit argues Minnesota law "supersedes and preempts" local regulations regarding permit to carry, saying that state law even allows weapons inside the State Capitol—an area "more serious than the light-hearted state fair."
The Minnesota State Fair issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit: "The State Fair does not comment on pending litigation. We will maintain our time-honored Minnesota tradition of peaceful, family-friendly fairs by protecting the safety and security of our guests."
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office said in a statement it only has responsibility inside the fairgrounds once the attendees have entered the public gates; the state fair sets its own policies regarding admission to the fairgrounds. "These practices have been consistent for many years," the sheriff's office said.
The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Aug. 26 through Labor Day.
READ NEXT: Ramsey County Sheriff's Office to provide security for Minnesota State Fair