Full Breakdown
Armed Man Lunges at Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate at Canfield Fair
9/10/2026, 6:54:27 AM
Incident Overview
During a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, Patrick Havas approached the tent where Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Amy Acton was speaking. Havas was armed with a taser and two firearms, knocked over several fairgoers, and called out Acton’s name before Ohio Highway Patrol officers intervened. He was initially booked on two misdemeanor assault counts and one misdemeanor disorderly-conduct count; an additional misdemeanor “inducing panic” charge was added at arraignment. Havas pleaded not guilty and was released on a $5,000 bond with a requirement to surrender any weapons.
Legal Proceedings
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro explained that the only video evidence available is the recording made by Havas himself after his phone was dropped or tossed. Because the footage “doesn’t support filing felony charges,” the prosecutor declined to pursue felony counts, limiting the case to four misdemeanor offenses. The prosecutor’s office has not released the video, citing an active investigation.
Official Statements
Governor Mike DeWine, when asked about speculation that the Acton team “over-blew” the event, dismissed the claim as “total garbage,” emphasizing that the facts are clear and the situation is “anti-democratic.”
Background & Context
Campaigns in recent elections have sometimes asked supporters to stop recording candidates to prevent “trackers” from gathering footage for opposition research. The Acton campaign’s request to halt recording shortly before the incident aligns with this broader trend. Earlier in 2024, a different Ohio candidate, Bernie Moreno, employed audio-jamming technology for the same purpose, acknowledging its use against trackers rather than voters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The information we've received is that the Acton camp requested individuals stop recording shortly before this incident occurred,” — County Prosecutor Lynn Maro
- “Then, his phone is either dropped or tossed, and that’s all we have," Maro said.” — County Prosecutor Lynn Maro
