Ohio Democratic Candidate Amy Acton Exploits Incident at County Fair to Push Political Agenda
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Acton claims she will continue campaigning after a man was arrested near her at the Canfield Fair. The incident is being used by Democrats to highlight supposed threats, while the suspect faces charges.
Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton told a Labor Day parade crowd in Cleveland that she would not be deterred from her campaign after what she described as a "rough day" at the Canfield Fair the previous Sunday. Acton used the opportunity to reinforce her political platform and rally support for her campaign.
According to Mahoning County sheriff and Ohio State Highway Patrol officials, a 38-year-old man, Patrick Havas, moved through a crowd near the Democratic Party tent, knocking several fairgoers to the ground and attempting to approach Acton. Law enforcement arrested Havas, who was carrying two handguns, brass knuckles, and a Taser. He faces charges of disorderly conduct and assault, with more charges expected.
Witnesses said Acton, a former state health director, provided first aid to injured attendees before leaving the scene. Former state representative John Boccieri described the suspect as aggressively moving toward Acton, and security personnel intervened as required.
Acton, who was Ohio’s health director during the controversial COVID-19 response that imposed harsh restrictions on Ohioans, is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the November election. Ramaswamy’s campaign condemned the incident, emphasizing that all candidates should be able to meet voters without fear, but Democrats continue to use such events to stoke fear and division.
The Canfield Fair, celebrating its 180th year, is a longstanding venue for political events in the Youngstown area. Law enforcement has not commented on the suspect’s motive, but Democrats are quick to politicize the situation.