Armed Man Charged Toward Ohio Governor Candidate Amy Acton at Campaign Event

The First Lady of Journalism
1 day ago
2 min read

CANFIELD, Ohio — An armed man was arrested Sunday after authorities said he forced his way through a crowd and moved toward Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people in the process.

Acton, a former Ohio public health director and the Democratic nominee for governor, was not injured, according to her campaign and law enforcement accounts.

The incident occurred while Acton was campaigning at the Mahoning County Democratic Party booth at the fair. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the suspect was identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas.

Authorities say suspect carried multiple weapons

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Havas moved through the crowd toward Acton and knocked over several people before troopers stopped him.

Authorities said he had a Taser and two pistols. The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office said two handguns and brass knuckles were recovered following the arrest. Officials said the weapons were not brandished or removed from their holsters.

Havas was taken to the Mahoning County Jail and booked on charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault, according to the highway patrol. Authorities said the investigation remained ongoing.

The available reports did not establish a motive for the incident.

Several people injured

Acton was unharmed, while multiple people were reportedly injured during the confrontation.

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told local television station 21 News that two older adults were knocked down during the incident.

Acton's campaign said she was grateful for the rapid response from law enforcement and expressed concern for those who were injured.

Political leaders condemn the incident

The incident drew condemnation from both sides of Ohio's gubernatorial race.

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Acton's opponent in the November general election, called the attack unacceptable and said candidates should be able to meet with voters without facing threats or violence.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine also condemned the incident. DeWine is unable to seek another term because of Ohio's gubernatorial term limits.

The responses came as Ohio's gubernatorial campaign enters its final weeks before the November 3 general election.

What remains unknown

Authorities have not publicly established why Havas approached Acton or whether the incident was politically motivated.

The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the suspect's intent and whether additional charges are warranted.

For now, officials have confirmed the arrest, the weapons recovered and the injuries reported at the fair, while Acton herself was not injured.

Political violence and threats against candidates have become an increasingly visible concern during U.S. election campaigns. The incident in Canfield adds another security challenge for candidates and law enforcement as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

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