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Patrick Havas Arrested After Lunging at Amy Acton

9/9/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Police Arrest Havas

U.S. police arrested Patrick M. Havas after he lunged at gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair.
Acton was unharmed while two older attendees were knocked down and suffered minor injuries.
Havas pleaded not guilty to assault, disorderly conduct and inducing panic; bond set at $5,000.
Police recovered two pistols, a Taser and brass-knuckle devices, none of which were brandished.

Summary

DeWine Thanks Police

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he spoke with Acton and thanked law enforcement for protecting her.
Attorney General Andy Wilson called the incident unacceptable and praised the state highway patrol’s swift response.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy condemned the attack and urged candidates to meet voters without fear of violence.
DNC Chair Ken Martin expressed relief that Acton was safe and prayed for injured attendees.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, Ohio National Guard troops fired about 67 rounds in 13 seconds at a Kent State anti-Vietnam protest, killing four students and wounding nine. The incident triggered a student strike involving over 4 million participants and led the Scranton Commission to label the force unjustified, prompting reforms toward less-lethal crowd control that shape security measures for events such as the assault on candidate Amy Acton.

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Police Arrest Havas

U.S. police arrested Patrick M. Havas after he lunged at gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair.
Acton was unharmed while two older attendees were knocked down and suffered minor injuries.
Havas pleaded not guilty to assault, disorderly conduct and inducing panic; bond set at $5,000.
Police recovered two pistols, a Taser and brass-knuckle devices, none of which were brandished.

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