Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing five Texas companies for denying access to off-duty police officers with firearms.
Paxton's office has filed five lawsuits, four of them against North Texas businesses to restrict security personnel, including off-duty employees, from entering their premises with licensed firearms. argued that it jeopardizes public safety.
“Texas law must be respected to ensure the safety and well-being of the public,” Paxton said in a written statement. “Criminal activity can occur anytime and anywhere. Peace officers are often in a good position to prevent and suppress crime, even when they are not in uniform or off-duty. ”
The complaint alleges The Factory at Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, Meow Wolf in Grapevine, The Lucky Duck in San Antonio, and the State Fair of Texas violate state law. claims.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 2.1305 provides that establishments serving the public, including businesses, restaurants, hotels, sports venues, arenas, and recreational facilities, which restrict the carrying of permitted weapons by peace officers: Provides that the following offenses are subject to a civil penalty of $1,000: each violation.
Paxton's office said that before filing the lawsuit, it received written confirmation from the five named facilities that they would comply with Texas law. Nevertheless, the attorney general's office said it continues to receive complaints from peace officers outlined in the lawsuit.
Paxton's office is seeking to collect $1,000 fines for each violation, as well as attorney fees and other legal costs.
