An armed man was arrested on Sunday after aggressively charging toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign event at the Canfield Fair, leaving several bystanders injured, according to campaign officials and local authorities.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield, Ohio, was carrying two pistols and brass knuckles at the time of the incident. While these weapons are legal to carry under Ohio law, Havas allegedly used physical force to push through the crowd toward the candidate.
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene reported that Havas aggressively shoved his way through the gathered crowd toward Acton while holding up a cell phone. As he rushed forward, Havas allegedly knocked over two elderly individuals who were using mobility scooters, causing one of them to fall to the ground.
Wayne Penny Jr., a Democratic candidate for Ohio's 59th State House District, witnessed the disruption near the Democratic Party's tent. He described a group of hecklers gathering before one individual "bum-rushed through the crowd" in Acton's direction. Penny noted that the suspect literally bull-rushed through, knocking down campaign volunteers and pushing over an elderly gentleman with Parkinson's disease, who hit his head as he fell.
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Anderson also confirmed that the suspect knocked multiple volunteers to the ground during the sudden rush.
Acton was not injured in the incident. Her security detail, comprised of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, successfully intervened to stop Havas and take him into custody. He is currently being held at the Mahoning County Jail and faces one count of disorderly conduct alongside two counts of misdemeanor assault.
Addie Bullock, the communications director for Acton's campaign, expressed deep gratitude for the quick response of law enforcement and offered prayers for the recovery of those who were hurt. Bullock emphasized that violence has no place in Ohio, stating that Acton will continue to stand up against chaos, hate, and vitriol.
Acton, the state's former public health director, is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming election. Ramaswamy has utilized his national profile, tech industry connections, and alliance with President Donald Trump to secure a record fundraising haul, which he has directed toward advertising and campaign rallies criticizing Acton.
Following the incident, Ramaswamy's campaign condemned the disruption. Connie Luck, Ramaswamy's communications director, issued a statement calling the event completely unacceptable. Luck stated that candidates should be able to meet with voters without facing threats or violence, adding that they hope no one was seriously hurt.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson also released a statement strongly condemning the attempted violence. Wilson declared that political violence of any kind has no place in Ohio or the nation. He expressed relief that Acton was unharmed, offered prayers for the injured, and praised the swift actions of her Ohio State Highway Patrol executive protection detail.
