Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton was involved in a security incident on Sunday while attending the Canfield Fair. According to local authorities and campaign representatives, a man identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas allegedly pushed through a crowd toward the candidate, causing multiple people to be knocked to the ground.
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene confirmed that Havas, a resident of Canfield, entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent while recording Acton with his cell phone. As he attempted to force his way toward her, he was intercepted by members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol who were providing security for the candidate. During the ensuing confrontation, two elderly attendees were knocked down. While the full extent of their injuries remains under investigation, witnesses reported that one individual appeared to strike his head on a table during the fall.
Following the scuffle, law enforcement officers searched Havas and discovered two firearms and a pair of brass knuckles in his possession. Sheriff Greene noted that while the suspect was armed, none of the weapons were brandished during the incident. Havas is currently facing two charges of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. Records indicate he does not yet have legal representation.
Former Democratic Representative John Boccieri, who witnessed the event, described seeing a large man barreling through the tent toward Acton. Boccieri recounted that after the suspect was subdued, Acton remained on the scene to assist in providing care to the injured individuals before her security detail escorted her away. Campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock stated that Acton and her husband, Eric, are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those who were hurt.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the state. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican who previously appointed Acton to lead the state health department, confirmed he spoke with her following the event. DeWine condemned the violence, stating that threats against public figures are unacceptable. Similarly, the campaign of Acton’s opponent, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, issued a statement through communications director Connie Luck, emphasizing that candidates should be able to engage with voters without fear of violence.
The confrontation has heightened concerns regarding political security in the United States, an issue that has gained national attention following several high-profile attacks on public officials in recent years. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who has been a vocal advocate against political violence since his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, was wounded in a 2011 shooting, reached out to Acton to offer his support. Kelly reiterated that there is no place for such behavior in society and called for the perpetrator to be held accountable. The report also notes that news of the alleged attack rippled through social media on Sunday, with commenters expressing both anger and relief that the incident wasn’t worse, with political violence in the country an increasing concern. The report also notes that an issue that unfortunately Gabby and I are very familiar with. The report also notes that this incident comes in an era of political violence with multiple assassination attempts on President Donald Trump over the last few years and near the one-year anniversary of the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. The report also notes that “What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt.”. The report also notes that acton this afternoon and she said to share with Ohioans that she is ok,” DeWine said in a social media post.
