Full Breakdown
Attempted Assault on Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair
9/9/2026, 9:10:33 PM
Core Event
During a campaign appearance at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent on the Canfield Fair, 38-year-old Patrick Havas forced his way through a crowd toward Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Amy Acton. Havas knocked two older attendees to the ground as he advanced. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers assigned to Acton’s security intervened and detained him before he could reach the candidate. Officers recovered two handguns, a Taser and brass-knuckles; none were brandished. Havas was booked on two misdemeanor assault counts and one count of disorderly conduct, entered a $5,000 cash surety bond, and was ordered to surrender any weapons and avoid contact with the victims and Acton. He pleaded not guilty at a virtual arraignment.
Background & Context
Acton, former Ohio health director, is the Democratic nominee for governor in a close race against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. The Canfield Fair permits open-carry in most areas but restricts weapons inside marked buildings, including the party tent. Havas, a Canfield resident, has a prior petty-theft conviction reduced to disorderly conduct.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: two first-degree misdemeanor assault counts, one misdemeanor disorderly conduct count, and one inducing-panic count.
- Bond: $5,000 cash surety.
- Weapons recovered: two handguns, a Taser, and brass-knuckles.
- Injuries: two elderly fairgoers were knocked down; both received on-scene treatment and were released.
Official Statements & Responses
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro emphasized that Havas never made physical contact with Acton and that no felony charges fit the conduct, noting the evidence did not support a more severe prosecution. Governor Mike DeWine said violence at political events is “always unacceptable” and confirmed he spoke with Acton after the incident. Sen. Jon Husted said he and his wife were “disturbed by the attempted attack.” Addie Bullock, the Acton campaign’s communications director, thanked law-enforcement for its swift response and said the campaign is praying for the injured.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described Havas shouting “Dr. Acton! Dr. Acton!” while recording the event on his phone and then pushing forward, causing attendees to fall. Former Rep. John Boccieri, who was near Acton, said Havas came within feet of the candidate and “a large individual” was “knocking people around.” Acton later helped care for the injured participants before resuming her campaign activities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Law-enforcement officials have only the suspect’s cellphone video as visual evidence; no independent recordings from other attendees have been located. Prosecutor Maro stated that the campaign had asked attendees to stop recording shortly before the incident, which may limit additional footage. The exact number of people injured beyond the two identified elders remains unclear, as some reports mention “multiple” injuries while others specify only the two older adults.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
- “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” — Addie Bullock, campaign spokesperson
- “I saw a large individual come in and start knocking people around,” — Former Rep. John Boccieri
