Texas

The State Fair of Texas makes new security enhancements after weekend shooting

Published

1 year ago

October 17, 2023

The State Fair of Texas makes new security enhancements after weekend shooting

DALLAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Several security enhancements have been made in the days following a shooting that injured three people at the State Fair of Texas.

Jeff Cotner, the State Fair’s director of security, said, “As a member of the State Fair family, we’re deeply saddened by the events of Saturday…we know that there’s still work for us to ensure this is a safe place to come.”

Cotner said he was as surprised as anyone when gunfire erupted inside the food court Oct. 14, causing fairgoers to flee in a panic.

Since the shooting, a police watch stand has been moved from the entrance of the food court to the very middle of it.

Amidst the changes, Cotner said that they have made sure that their processes still worked.

But how the accused gunman, 22-year-old Cameron Turner, slipped his gun past high-tech weapons detection—which are at every entrance—is still an unanswered question.

Nonetheless, Cotner still believes in the technology as other guns have been detected using the system.

“We don’t know [how Turner went undetected],” he admitted. “But…these instruments [weapons detection] are proven.”

According to the State Fair of Texas’ FAQ page, only licensed gun owners are allowed to bring them inside the fairgrounds, and authorities have confirmed that Turner is not a licensed gun owner.

Dallas police said Turner, who was arrested at the scene, fired at a man who was wounded along with two other people.

During an off-camera interview, the mother of the suspected shooter told CBS News Texas her son was being physically threatened by the intended target of the shooting and that he had no intention of harming anyone at the fair.

When asked what his personal thoughts about the shooting are, Cotner responded, “I’m disappointed…but I’m very proud of how our fair acted in terms of our response.”

He also believes that the “huge crowds” that showed up the next day were a clear sign that fairgoers still faith have in the hundreds of men and women who are “devoted to keeping them safe.”

“It was overwhelming and it was so heartwarming,” Cotner said.

J.D. Miles

J.D. Miles is an award-winning reporter who has been covering North Texas for CBS 11 since 1996.

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Texas

Bandera Texas Ranches Now on the Market

Published

53 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

“James Bigley Ranches offers unique insight on ranches, Western history, sustainability, and land management. With a wealth of experience in wildlife, firefighting, ranching, and corporate America, James provides expert advice on property buying, selling, and responsible land stewardship. Follow along with James as he shares valuable insights and stories about ranch life and land management!”

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Texas

Dinner at Dallas restaurant becomes holiday tradition for North Texas families

Published

9 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Dinner at Dallas restaurant becomes holiday tradition for North Texas families

Holiday traditions run the gamut in North Texas. For some, it means a yearly dinner at a popular Dallas Chinese restaurant. But not just any dinner. These are gatherings reserved months in advance. And Wednesday’s festivities just happened to fall on Christmas day and the start of Hanukkah.

Ask April Kao when they plan to close the Royal China restaurant for the night, and she’ll tell you simply whenever the last person leaves. It’s what she’s grown accustomed to. When the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, with all its excitement and frenzy, comes breezing through the front door of the Royal China restaurant off Preston Road and Royal Lane.

Kao and her husband George, both owners of the restaurant, said opening on December 25 was never part of the original business plan.

“We didn’t used to open on Christmas day,” she said. “And in 2008 after the renovation, people begged and begged, ‘Please you have to open.’”

So, they did, and there’s been a massive turnout ever since. People from surrounding neighborhoods in North Dallas and people from different faith communities rely on Royal China.

“Before we open the door, we have lines outside and it’s getting busier and busier. So we take reservations a year before,” Kao said.

One Dallas family made reservations during the summer just to be sure their 15-year tradition wouldn’t miss a beat.

“My son-in-law, Berry, was the one who first suggested that we come to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas day,” said Lynn Harnden. “And we make our reservations like in July to be sure to come.”

As the years pass, seats are added to the reservation. This year, the Hardens occupied two tables with seventeen guests.

As for upholding family traditions, the Kaos have their own wall of memories at the restaurant. It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come from 1974, when George Kao’s father came from Taiwan with a dream and a plan.

“He is very proud,” he said. “He would smile. He’s smiling from above.”

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