Full Breakdown
Attempted Assault on Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate at the Canfield Fair
9/9/2026, 3:18:49 PM
Canfield Fair Incident Involving Dr. Amy Acton
On September 6, a 38-year-old Canfield resident, Patrick Havas, entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fair while Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, was speaking. Havas pushed through the crowd, shouting the candidate’s name, and knocked two older attendees to the ground. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and Acton’s security restrained him before he could reach the podium. Officers recovered two handguns, a Taser and brass-knuckles from Havas after his arrest.
Background & Context
Dr. Acton, a former state health director, is running against Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Ohio’s open-carry law permits firearms openly at fairs, but they are prohibited inside designated buildings such as the party tent.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: Two misdemeanor assault counts, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of inducing panic.
- Bond: $5,000 cash surety set by Judge Molly Johnson.
- Weapons found: Two pistols, a Taser and brass-knuckles; none were removed from holsters or used.
- Injuries: The two elderly victims received minor injuries and were treated on-site. Acton was unharmed.
Official Statements & Responses
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro said the evidence did not support felony charges, noting Havas never made physical contact with Acton and did not brandish a weapon. Governor Mike DeWine called violence at political events “always unacceptable.” Senator Jon Husted and former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown also condemned the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic candidate for Mahoning County auditor Dalton Bosze noted Havas wore black clothing with a cap reading “respect” and “honor,” arguing the actions were not a legitimate question-asking attempt. Democratic statehouse candidate Wayne Penny Jr. characterized Havas’s motive as “bodily harm.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Contact with Acton: Prosecutor Maro asserts Havas never came within close proximity to Acton, while some witnesses say he “lunged” toward her.
- Video evidence: The only known footage is from Havas’s cellphone; investigators are seeking additional recordings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” — Gov. Mike DeWine
- “We’re not going to let emotions take over,” — Prosecutor Lynn Maro
- “He was yelling, ‘Dr. Acton! Dr. Acton!’” — Former Rep. John Boccieri
What’s Next
The incident has intensified calls to denounce political violence as the Ohio gubernatorial race enters its final weeks. Law enforcement continues to review Havas’s cellphone and any public footage that may emerge, while the campaigns proceed with scheduled events.
