Armed suspect interrupted Ohio gubernatorial candidate's campaign stop, authorities say
An armed man forced his way toward Democratic Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people before being subdued by troopers and arrested on assault charges.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that a 38-year-old man identified as Patrick Havas broke through a crowd at the Canfield Fair on Sunday and moved toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, the former state health director. He was carrying a taser, two pistols, two handguns and a set of brass knuckles, which were recovered after his arrest, though none were drawn from holsters, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office said.
Havas was taken into custody, booked on disorderly conduct and two counts of assault, and placed in the county jail while the investigation continues. No further details were released at the time.
"Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a statement.
"Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics," Connie Luck, communications director for Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, said.
"The suspect lunged at Acton. She will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another," Addie Bullock, communications director for Acton’s campaign, said.
Republican state Sen. Jon Husted also condemned the incident on social media, praising law-enforcement response. The episode adds to a series of recent politically motivated attacks across the United States.
Acton, who previously served as Ohio’s health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, is currently campaigning against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a race that enters its final six weeks before the November election.