× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he supports the Iowa State Fair’s weapons ban, but he declined to say whether he would approve changes to state law that would permit certified residents to carry weapons during the fair.

The issue was raised Monday during Branstad’s weekly news conference at the Iowa Capitol. On Friday, a rules committee of state legislators discussed the State Fair policy that prohibits people from carrying weapons on the grounds during the fair.

Branstad said he supports the fair policy because he thinks the fairgrounds are safe because of the heavy presence of Iowa State Patrol officers.

But Branstad did not say whether he would oppose legislation that would permit fair-goers to carry weapons.

“I support the right to carry, but I think the fairgrounds is a little different situation because we have such phenomenal coverage from the highway patrol at the fair,” Branstad said. “So, it’s not like other places where you have nobody with a firearm to protect somebody against a violent act. We have excellent security, and I think the patrol does a great job. And because of that, I think that’s the reason why you really don’t need to have your own firearm for your protection at the fair.”