Pro-gun group to challenge state fair gun ban

The long-standing ban was reiterated Tuesday by state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, one day after Grass Roots North Carolina representatives said they met with him about the issue.

“We are not concerned about a law-abiding citizen coming onto the fairgrounds and doing intentional harm,” Troxler said. “But we are concerned about accidental discharge. You don't want to take a chance on this happening if you can avoid it, and thus, our decision.”

The law, in part, reads:

GRNC says the measure doesn’t exclude the state fairgrounds, meaning legal gun possession should be allowed at the state fair.

But the measure also reads:

GRNC believes the above passage only applies to private property owners. They point out that the state fairgrounds is public property.

"We just want to carry as the law permits us to carry so that we can protect our loved ones in the case that a criminal chooses to not follow the law and cause a problem and threaten the safety of our families," said Josette Chmiel with Grass Roots NC. "We all want to be safe. Don't take away our right to be safe."

Troxler said the measure has gray areas and intends to uphold the ban until a judge or lawmakers say otherwise.

Metal detectors will be at each entrance, and those with guns will be asked to leave their firearms in their cars, Troxler said.