An armed man was arrested on Sunday after lunging at Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton during a visit to the Canfield Fair, according to officials. The incident left multiple people injured as the suspect forced his way through a crowd at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent.
Armed Man Arrested After Lunging at Amy Acton at Canfield Fair
According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield was arrested following the incident, which occurred Sunday afternoon at the state’s largest county fair near Youngstown. Investigators stated that Havas entered the tent using his cell phone to record Acton as she spoke to a gathered crowd. As he entered, Havas began pushing his way through attendees.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers assigned to Acton’s executive protection detail confronted Havas, and two people were knocked to the ground during the commotion. Law enforcement reported that Havas was carrying two handguns, a set of brass knuckles, and a Taser. Investigators noted that no weapons were ever brandished or removed from their holsters.
Following his apprehension, Havas was turned over to Canfield Fair police and subsequently transported to the Mahoning County Jail. He was booked on charges of disorderly conduct and assault. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office are continuing an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Candidate Unharmed as Officials Condemn Political Violence
Acton and her husband were left uninjured in the incident. Witnesses reported that Acton remained in the tent to help individuals who had been knocked down and injured.
Campaign communications director Addie Bullock released a statement following the event: While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people. Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured. This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another.
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Christopher Anderson also addressed the confrontation on Facebook and in statements, calling the incident reprehensible political violence that should be condemned across the political spectrum.
Condemnations poured in from leaders across Ohio and the nation. Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign issued a statement through communications director Connie Luck: Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that he and First Lady Fran DeWine were grateful for the quick response of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officers on the scene. Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,
DeWine stated, adding that the case is being thoroughly investigated. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson also praised the executive protection detail for their quick action.
Broader Context of the 2026 Ohio Gubernatorial Race
The security breach occurred as the race for the Ohio governor’s office heats up. Acton, a physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, became widely known across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving in the administration of Republican Governor Mike DeWine. Her high public profile has energized Democrats, who are seeking to win back the governor’s office.
Acton is running against Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy in November’s election to succeed term-limited leadership.
The security incident also drew responses from national figures, including Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Ohio leaders who emphasized that threats and physical aggression have no place in public discourse or political events.
Keep reading