CANFIELD — An armed man rushed through a crowd toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign appearance at the Canfield Fair on Sunday, injuring several people before Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers assigned to her security detail detained him, authorities and campaign officials said.
What happened at the fair
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene and state patrol officials said the suspect, identified as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield, aggressively pushed through attendees at a Democratic Party tent and charged in Acton’s direction. Campaign and party officials said the candidate was not injured.
Officials said the man knocked over at least two older individuals on mobility scooters while forcing his way forward. One person with Parkinson’s disease was knocked down and struck his head, according to a volunteer quoted by campaign allies. Several volunteers were also knocked to the ground, Mahoning County Democratic Party leaders said.
"Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured. This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,"
The campaign’s communications director, Addie Bullock, said Acton would continue to "stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another."
Weapons, arrest and charges
Law enforcement took Havas into custody at the scene. There are differing specifics in public statements from local and state officials about what items were recovered.
- Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told reporters Havas had two pistols and brass knuckles on him.
- The Ohio State Highway Patrol said officers found two pistols and a Taser after detaining him.
Havas is being held at the Mahoning County Jail. Authorities announced he faces two counts of misdemeanor assault and one count of disorderly conduct, according to the sheriff’s office.
| Suspect | Age | Location | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Havas | 38 | Canfield | Two counts misdemeanor assault; one count disorderly conduct |
Security response and immediate reaction
Acton’s executive protection detail, comprised of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, intervened and detained the suspect quickly, officials said. State patrol spokespeople said the troopers’ prompt action prevented further harm to the candidate and others at the tent.
Local Democrats condemned the attack. Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Anderson described the incident on social media, saying volunteers were knocked down when the man forced his way into the tent and called the conduct "reprehensible" and worthy of condemnation from leaders across the aisle.
One Democratic candidate who was at the tent, Wayne Penny Jr., described the scene as chaotic, telling reporters that hecklers had gathered and one individual "bum-rushed through the crowd" toward Acton.
Context for voters and organizers
The Canfield Fair is one of the larger county fairs in northeast Ohio and allows firearms in most outdoor areas; officials noted firearms are prohibited inside clearly marked buildings. The presence of weapons at large public political events is likely to prompt renewed discussion about safety protocols for campaign appearances, particularly as Ohio’s gubernatorial contest remains competitive.
Acton, a physician and Democrat, is running for governor in a closely watched race. Her opponent is Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Campaign events for high-profile statewide candidates often draw intense scrutiny and large crowds, increasing the need for visible security measures, organizers and law enforcement officials say.
What comes next
Authorities will pursue the charges already filed against Havas. Local prosecutors will determine whether additional charges are warranted based on investigation findings and medical reports for those injured. Campaign staff and party officials are coordinating with law enforcement as they review the incident and their security procedures.
Officials did not release the names of the injured beyond general descriptions, and Acton’s campaign said it was praying for the recovery of those hurt. No further comment on the suspect’s motive was available Sunday night.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the case as investigators release more details and as campaign officials respond to the attack.
