An armed man was arrested Sunday at the Canfield Fair in Canfield, Ohio, after allegedly charging toward Amy Acton, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Ohio. The incident, which occurred at the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s tent where Acton was meeting with voters, resulted in multiple individuals being knocked to the ground and sustaining injuries. Acton herself was not physically harmed, according to her campaign and local officials.
"Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable." Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene reported that Havas aggressively pushed through the crowd in Acton’s direction. During his advance, he allegedly knocked over two older attendees who were using mobility scooters, with one falling to the ground. Wayne Penny Jr., a Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 59th State House District who witnessed the confrontation, stated that Havas “bull-rushed” through the crowd, knocking down volunteers before pushing over an older man with Parkinson’s disease.
Acton’s security detail swiftly intervened, restraining Havas before he could reach the candidate. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, assigned to Acton’s security, were credited with intercepting the suspect. Following his apprehension, authorities discovered that Havas was carrying two pistols and another weapon. While The Washington Post, citing state police, reported two pistols and a Taser, other reports from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s office indicated brass knuckles were also recovered. Authorities confirmed that the firearms were not drawn or brandished during the confrontation.
Havas was subsequently taken to the Mahoning County Jail. He faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct. CBS/AP reported two misdemeanor assault counts and one disorderly conduct count, though some initial local reports characterized at least one assault allegation differently as the case processing continued. As of Sunday night, no evidence had been publicly released establishing Havas’s intent to use the weapons against Acton, and officials have not announced a motive for his actions. The incident remains under active investigation, with authorities currently focusing on Havas’s conduct in forcing his way through the crowd and the injuries allegedly inflicted on attendees.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Chris Anderson, Chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, urged against speculation while the investigation is ongoing. Anderson confirmed that several volunteers were knocked down during the event, stating, “The Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all forms,” and described the events at the party’s tent as unacceptable. He also extended thanks to law enforcement for their prompt response.
Acton’s campaign issued a statement shortly after the arrest. Addie Bullock, the campaign’s communications director, said, “While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people.” Bullock conveyed that Acton and her husband, Eric, were grateful for the law enforcement response and were praying for those who were injured. “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” Bullock added, underscoring the campaign’s stance against such acts. Acton reportedly remained at the fair following the incident and, as a physician, helped treat one of the injured individuals at the scene.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) and First Lady Fran DeWine spoke with Acton after the incident. Governor DeWine conveyed their relief, stating, “Fran and I are thankful Dr. Amy Acton was not hurt, and we send our thoughts to those who were injured.” He added that Acton asked him to inform Ohio residents that she was unharmed. Governor DeWine further emphasized the unacceptability of such threats, saying, “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” and affirmed that the matter was now in the hands of law enforcement for investigation.
The campaign of Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican gubernatorial nominee and a former 2024 presidential candidate, also condemned the incident. Connie Luck, Ramaswamy’s communications director, stated, “Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence.” Luck added, “What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt.”
Acton, who previously served as Ohio’s health director, is the Democratic nominee aiming to succeed Governor DeWine, who is term-limited. She is slated to face Ramaswamy in the November gubernatorial election. The investigation into the incident continues as authorities work to determine all circumstances surrounding Havas’s actions at the campaign event.
