CANFIELD, Ohio — Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton was targeted by an armed man who forced his way through a crowd toward her during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair on Sunday, injuring several people in the process.
Acton was not injured, according to authorities and her campaign. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield, was arrested at the scene after being stopped by law enforcement.
Authorities said Havas allegedly pushed through the crowd while holding a cellphone and knocked over multiple fairgoers, including two older adults using mobility scooters. He was reportedly carrying two pistols, a Taser and brass knuckles. The weapons were not drawn during the incident.
Havas was booked into the Mahoning County Jail and faces two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. Investigators have not announced a motive for the incident.
Acton’s campaign communications director, Addie Bullock, said Acton and her husband, Eric, were grateful for the quick response from law enforcement and were praying for those who were injured.
“This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” Bullock said in the campaign statement.
The incident drew condemnation from both sides of the political aisle. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign called the incident unacceptable and said candidates should be able to meet voters without fear of violence. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine also condemned the attack.
The incident comes as Acton and Ramaswamy prepare for a closely watched 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election, adding renewed attention to security at political campaign events.
