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Gun Shows To Continue At Travis County Expo Center


The Travis County Commission decided Tuesday morning to honor its current contracts with gun shows at the Expo Center.

Commissioners had considered stopping gun shows entirely at the Expo Center and all county-owned facilities.  Currently there are 10 gun shows listed as scheduled at the Expo Center, the first one is Jan. 26-27.

The commission also asked staff to let it know of any future gun shows.

Gun advocates have said restrictions could cost the county $400,000 in rental fees and court costs from lawsuits, and some see it as an infringement on their rights at the publicly-owned facility.

Supporters of the restrictions say it's too easy to buy a gun at a gun show, and a restriction would be a positive move toward community safety.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued the following statement after the commissioner's decision:

"Travis County Commissioners did the right thing by following the law and continuing to allow gun shows on county property.  The City of Austin should do the same.  As Texans, we should all endeavor to keep our children safe from harm, but violating the law in pursuit of that goal is not right."