Story perspectives

Deputies Arrest Man After Canfield Fair Campaign Push Attack

9/8/2026

Summary

Patrick Havas Arrested

Patrick Havas, 38, forced into the Democratic tent at the Canfield Fair and pushed toward Dr. Amy Acton.
He carried two handguns, brass knuckles and a Taser, none drawn.
Mahoning County deputies arrested Havas, booking him on disorderly conduct and two misdemeanor assault counts.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Vivek Ramaswamy and Acton’s campaign condemned the violence.
Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation continues and charges await prosecutor review.

Summary

Mahoning GOP Tightens

Mahoning County Republican Party chairman announced tighter security for campaign events after the attack.
The Canfield Fair permits firearms in most areas but bans them inside marked buildings.
The fair does not conduct security screenings at entrances, sparking debate.
The fair celebrated its 180th anniversary, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri called it Ohio’s largest county fair.

History

Historical Context

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, convened in August 1968, erupted into violent clashes that shocked the nation and reshaped protest policing. Mayor Richard J. Daley ordered 30,000 National Guard troops, and Chicago police arrested over 1,500 demonstrators, incurring $5 million in property damage. Today, Mahoning County deputies seized Patrick Havas at the Canfield Fair, while Governor Mike DeWine, former Rep. John Boccieri, and health official Dr. Amy Acton denounced the breach. The 1968 upheaval spurred federal security mandates for political events, presaging current calls for stricter fair screenings and reinforced campaign-venue protection protocols.

1 of 3

Patrick Havas Arrested

Patrick Havas, 38, forced into the Democratic tent at the Canfield Fair and pushed toward Dr. Amy Acton.
He carried two handguns, brass knuckles and a Taser, none drawn.
Mahoning County deputies arrested Havas, booking him on disorderly conduct and two misdemeanor assault counts.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Vivek Ramaswamy and Acton’s campaign condemned the violence.
Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation continues and charges await prosecutor review.

1 / 3