Story perspectives

Ohio police arrest suspect after attack on Amy Acton

9/8/2026

Summary

Acton Attacked

Armed attacker lunged at Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair on September 6, 2026.
Police arrested 38-year-old Patrick Havas, carrying two pistols and a Taser, and booked him on assault and disorderly conduct.
Several fairgoers, including an 80-year-old man, were injured while Acton stayed and assisted an attendee.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted and candidate Sherrod Brown condemned the attack and praised the rapid response.

Summary

Patrick Havas Held

Patrick Havas is being held without bond after his arrest.
Investigators recovered two pistols, a Taser and brass knuckles, all still in holsters.
The Canfield Fair allows firearms in most areas but bans them inside certain buildings.
Public records list Andrew James Havas, a former Sen. Jon Husted volunteer, as a possible brother.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Tucson shooting, occurring on January 8, 2011, left six dead and thirteen injured after a gunman opened fire at a public forum. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona survived a head wound while assailant Jared Lee Loughner carried a 9 mm Glock pistol and a .22-caliber rifle, totaling two firearms. In June 2026, Patrick Havas attacked Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair, wielding two pistols, a Taser and brass knuckles, mirroring the earlier political-targeted violence. These repeat attacks spurred Ohio lawmakers and fair officials to draft stricter gun-control ordinances, echoing nationwide calls for tighter security at political events.

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Acton Attacked

Armed attacker lunged at Ohio gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair on September 6, 2026.
Police arrested 38-year-old Patrick Havas, carrying two pistols and a Taser, and booked him on assault and disorderly conduct.
Several fairgoers, including an 80-year-old man, were injured while Acton stayed and assisted an attendee.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Sen. Jon Husted and candidate Sherrod Brown condemned the attack and praised the rapid response.

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