Armed suspect detained after lunging at Ohio gubernatorial candidate at Canfield Fair
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A 38-year-old man was arrested at the Canfield Fair after forcing his way into a Democratic Party tent and confronting gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, injuring several fairgoers but not the candidate.
Ohio State Highway Patrol officials said Patrick M. Havas, 38, of Canfield, broke through a crowd at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent during a speech by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair on Sept. 6. The suspect pushed past attendees, knocking down at least two older adults before being restrained by the patrol’s executive protection unit.
Law enforcement recovered two pistols and a taser on Havas, though officials noted that no weapons were drawn from holsters. He was booked on disorderly conduct and two assault counts and transferred to Mahoning County Jail.
Acton was unharmed and assisted volunteers who tended to the injured. Several political figures, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri, and candidates from both parties, condemned the incident and praised the rapid police response.
The Canfield Fair permits firearms on its grounds except inside marked buildings. The incident has heightened concerns about safety at political events ahead of Ohio’s upcoming gubernatorial race.