DEL MAR, Calif. — After a nine month hiatus, the Crossroads of the West Gun Show returned to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. An estimated 10,000 people were expected to attend the event this weekend along with groups of protesters, who lined up along Jimmy Durante Boulevard Saturday morning.
A federal judge granted organizers a reprieve, which permitted the show to continue despite the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board of Director's decision to shut it down. And while the board voted to suspend the show last year, Crossroads of the West filed a lawsuit against the state. A federal judge issued an injunction allowing the shows to resume, at least for the time being.
In response to this weekend's gun show, many protesters said they were fighting for their children and grandchildren and many protesters have been fighting to have the show removed from state owned fairgrounds for years.
"They gave a pass by this gun show and realize that this is what is coming in to their community, while they go and practice lock down drills,” said Rose Ann Sharp. "This is about commerce, [but] it is not about First or Second Amendment rights. The state has the authority to decide what business it wants conducted on state-owned property."
Attendees counter by saying they're within their rights under the First and Second Amendment and also say they are promoting safety.
"They do the background checks [and] everything they're required by law to do, and I think it's one of the safest places you could buy it," said Carl Charboneau.
“If it is a legal activity, why should it not be allowed on state land?” said Mike Johnson.
State legislators approved a bill this summer to permanently end gun sales on the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Governor Gavin Newsom has until Oct. 13 to sign the bill into law.