Group sues for right to carry guns at Minnesota State Fair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A gun owners’ group is suing the Minnesota State Fair and Ramsey County, demanding that permit holders be allowed to carry handguns on the fairgrounds during the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The lawsuit by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus argues that the State Fair’s ban on weapons violates the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

The lawsuit asks the court to order that Minnesotans who have valid carry permits be allowed to carry pistols at the fair.

And it asks that the sheriff’s office, which will provide law enforcement at this year’s fair, be prohibited from enforcing the ban.

In the lawsuit, obtained by KSTP 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, one plaintiff states he "believes it’s important to have a way to protect himself, including at the State Fair." Another plaintiff echoed that sentiment, stating she "wishes to carry at the State Fair for the purpose of self-defense, and would not pose any threat or danger to the public."

An attorney representing the State Agricultural Society also stated in the lawsuit, "to ensure safety of the fair, the policy prohibiting weapons on the fairgrounds during the fair must be maintained."

In response, the Minnesota State Fair issued the following statement: "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 Associated Press contributed to this report.