Full Breakdown
Armed Man Lunges at Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton at Canfield Fair
9/10/2026, 5:06:56 AM
Incident Overview
On September 6, 2026, a 38-year-old man identified as Patrick Havas entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fairgrounds while recording on his cell phone. As Dr. Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for governor, addressed the crowd, Havas pushed through attendees, knocking two people to the ground. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers in her security detail intervened, and Fair police took Havas into custody. Investigators recovered two handguns and a set of brass knuckles; no weapons were drawn. Acton was unharmed, but multiple attendees sustained injuries from the scramble.
Legal Proceedings
Havas was initially booked on two misdemeanor assault counts and one count of disorderly conduct. An additional “inducing panic” misdemeanor charge was added at arraignment, bringing the total to four misdemeanor counts. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bond; a separate report notes a $5,000 bond and a requirement to surrender any weaponry. Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro said the only video evidence is the suspect’s own recording, which “doesn’t support filing felony charges.” Consequently, no felony charges have been filed.
Official Statements & Responses
- Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton campaign, thanked law-enforcement officers and said the incident “has no place in Ohio.”
- Several Ohio elected officials, including Sen. Jon Husted and Rep. Shontel Brown, issued statements denouncing political violence and expressing relief that Acton and her team were safe.
Data & Statistics
- Weapons recovered: two handguns and brass knuckles (Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office).
- Injuries: multiple attendees knocked down; no injuries reported for Acton.
- Criminal history: Havas was arrested in 2008 on petty theft and disorderly conduct charges; the theft charge was later dismissed after a no-contest plea to disorderly conduct.
Background & Context
Amy Acton is a former director of the Ohio Department of Health and a pediatrician. If elected, she would become Ohio’s first Jewish governor. The Canfield Fair, established in 1846, is the third-largest county fair in the United States, spanning 353 acres and hosting more than 60 buildings.
On-the-Ground Reports
According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Havas began recording Acton’s speech before pushing through the crowd. As he advanced, two people were knocked to the ground, prompting immediate intervention by the troopers. Police recovered the weapons after his arrest, and detectives indicated the investigation remains ongoing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Charge count: Fox News reports four misdemeanor counts, while WCPO mentions only assault and disorderly conduct charges. Both agree an additional “inducing panic” charge was later added.
- Bond status: One source states Havas is held without bond; another cites a $5,000 bond requirement. The discrepancy has not been clarified by the prosecutor’s office.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” — Addie Bullock, campaign communications director
- “The information we've received is that the Acton camp requested individuals stop recording shortly before this incident occurred,” — County Prosecutor Lynn Maro
- “Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope hope that no one was hurt,” — Connie Luck, communications director for Vivek for Ohio
