Travis Expo center gun show in jeopardy

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gun shows at the Travis County Expo Center are in jeopardy after a concerned citizen raised issues with the events during the Dec. 21   County Commissioners Court meeting.

Ed Scruggs voiced concerns about using a county-run, public facility for the use of nine Saxet Trade Shows in 2013.

“The fact this is happening on taxpayer supported property was shocking to me,” Scruggs said to KXAN.

His comments during the meeting have led to an agenda item for the January 8 ^th meeting that calls for commissioners to discuss their contract with Saxet.

Several dealers come from across the state to sell ammo and firearms at the Saxet Trade Show. By law, dealers have to run background checks on customers that buy guns.

However, the “gun show loophole” is why Scruggs believes county should reconsider their relationship with Saxet.

“The fact one weapon could leave that facility without a background check is horrifying to me.”

The loophole allows individuals to make “one-to-one” transactions and trades without running background checks.

Scruggs said he is not opposed to guns or gun shows but he thinks they should be at private venues.

When KXAN contacted Saxet, organizers were not aware the item was being discussed.

The county would lose an estimated $128,000 in revenue if all nine gun shows were eliminated.

Saxet is planning a show in San Antonio this weekend at the San Antonio Events Center, a privately owned venue.

The first scheduled Austin show is January 26 ^th-27 ^th.