An armed man, identified as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield, Ohio, was arrested Sunday after approaching Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair, injuring multiple people. According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Havas pushed through a crowd toward Acton while she was speaking, knocking two people to the ground. Acton, a physician and former state health director, was unharmed and remained at the fair to assist those injured. Law enforcement recovered two handguns, a Taser, and brass knuckles from Havas, though he did not brandish the weapons. He has been charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
Authorities say Havas approached Acton with a cellphone or camera set up to record her visit. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which provides security for Acton, confronted him as he entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s tent. The extent of the injuries to those knocked down was not immediately known, though initial assessments indicated they did not require further treatment. Acton’s campaign spokesperson, Addie Bullock, stated Acton and her husband are grateful for law enforcement’s response and are praying for the recovery of those injured, adding, “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio.”
Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, also scheduled to appear at the fair, released a statement condemning the incident and calling for candidates to be able to meet voters without fear of violence. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, stated he spoke with Acton and she reported being okay. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident. Left-leaning outlets emphasize the violence of the act, while right-leaning coverage focuses on the fact that no weapons were brandished. Not in dispute is that Havas was taken into custody and faces charges.
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