The State Fair of Texas, a beloved annual event, was thrown into chaos on Saturday evening when a gunman opened fire in the food court area, injuring three individuals. The incident, which occurred just before 8 PM at the Dallas State Fairgrounds, led to a massive evacuation and temporary shutdown of the fair.
According to reports, the shooter, later identified as a man, wreaked havoc by firing shots into the bustling food court. This act of violence not only injured three individuals but also sent scores of fairgoers into a panic, with many running for their lives. A video captured from the Ferris wheel at the fairground provides a bird's-eye view of the ensuing chaos, showing people scrambling to leave the area.
Upon arrival, Dallas police found three individuals with gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all injuries were deemed non-life-threatening. The entire fair was evacuated as a precautionary measure, leading to a temporary shutdown. However, the State Fair of Texas has announced plans to reopen the fairgrounds at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, with all scheduled events proceeding as planned.
#WATCH : Police arrested the suspect of shooting at the Texas State Fair in Dallas.#JUSTIN #BREAKING_NEWS #latest #Dallas #Firing pic.twitter.com/hGVzwS4962 — upuknews (@upuknews1) October 15, 2023
The Dallas police have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Cameron Turner, who has been charged with aggravated assault. The State Fair of Texas issued a statement on Sunday morning expressing their deep sadness over the incident. The statement emphasized that safety remains their top priority and that they are committed to ensuring a secure environment for all attendees. They urged fairgoers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
A fairgoer shared a video on social media, describing it as "the scariest moment of my life." Another attendee captured the moment of panic in the food court as people began dispersing. Yet another video, shot from the Ferris wheel, showcased the widespread panic on the ground below.
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson expressed his outrage over the incident, emphasizing that the State Fair of Texas is a cherished event symbolizing food, family, and fun. He assured the public that such violent behavior would not be tolerated and expressed confidence in the Dallas Police Department's ability to ensure the safety of the event.
The State Fair of Texas has long had a strict weapons policy, prohibiting the possession of any weapons, including firearms, knives, clubs, and other sharp objects. While concealed carry is permitted for licensed individuals, open carry is strictly prohibited. In light of the recent incident, the fair has announced increased security measures at all entry points and throughout the fairgrounds.
The shooter was apprehended shortly after the incident while attempting to flee the scene. The police successfully recovered the weapon used in the shooting. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
The State Fair of Texas is a long-standing tradition, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security and vigilance at public events.
