Amy Acton attacked at Canfield Fair: Armed man arrested after lunging toward Ohio Governor candidate and injuring multiple people; What we know so far about the incident

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton was the target of an alarming incident Sunday at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown, where an armed man allegedly pushed through a crowd and lunged toward the Democratic candidate as she appeared at a campaign event. Acton was not injured, but multiple people were hurt during the confrontation, according to the local authorities. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, was arrested inside the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent. Authorities said he was carrying multiple weapons, including two handguns and brass knuckles. The incident quickly prompted a security response and renewed concerns about safety at political events.

According to multiple media reports, Havas allegedly entered the Democratic Party tent at about 2:30 PM while Acton was speaking and began pushing through the crowd. Two people fell to the ground and reportedly suffered injuries. Members of Acton’s security detail, including Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, intervened and took Havas into custody.




The WKYC report, along with statements provided by Acton’s campaign, described the suspect as lunging toward Acton and injuring multiple people. Campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said Acton was unharmed. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told 21 News that Havas knocked down two older adults. Investigators recovered two handguns and brass knuckles after the arrest.

"Investigators say no weapons were ever brandished or even removed from their holsters," the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Havas is being held at the Mahoning County Jail. Jail records show that he faces two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct in connection with the incident, reported WKYC.



The incident has drawn condemnation from across Ohio’s political landscape. Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, called the attack unacceptable and said candidates should be able to meet voters without facing threats or violence. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also condemned the incident.

For Acton, the episode ended without her being physically injured, but it disrupted what was supposed to be a routine campaign appearance. With the investigation continuing, authorities are expected to examine what led to the confrontation, the suspect’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the weapons found after his arrest.