Officials from the campaign said that an armed man charged at Amy Acton’s, the Democratic candidate running for governor of Ohio, during Sunday’s campaign stop in Canfield Fair. He injured several people.
Officials from the campaign said that multiple people had been injured.
CBS News reported that the suspect was identified by Mahoning County sheriff Jerry Greene as Patrick Havas of Canfield. “He aggressively shoved through the crowd while holding his cell phone high,” Greene said. Havas, who was hurrying forward at the time, is said to have knocked two elderly people off their mobility scooters and caused one to fall, according to Greene.
The sheriff reported that Acton’s Security Detail, which was made up of troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, were able to arrest him.
According to Greene the man was carrying two pistols, brass knuckles, and a revolver, which is legal in Ohio.
Havas, who is currently being held in the Mahoning County Jail on two misdemeanor counts of assault and disorderly conduct and one charge of disobedience of order according to Greene.
Wayne Penny Jr. said that a Democratic Party candidate in Ohio’s State House District 59 had told CBS News about a group of hecklers who had assembled at their tent. One heckler “bum-rushed” through the crowd and hurled himself towards Acton.
Penny stated that “he literally bull-rushed the crowd. He knocked down our volunteers, ran through and pushed the Parkinson’s patient over. The gentleman fell and hit his head.”
In a press release, Chris Anderson, the Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman said that the man had also knocked down several volunteers.
Acton expressed “gratefulness for the quick and decisive actions of law enforcement, and we pray for the recovery and well-being of the injured.” Ohio is not a place for this kind of violence. Addie bullock, the communications director of the campaign, said that Dr. Acton would always be able to stand against the chaos, hatred and vitriol which pits people against each other.
Acton faces Vivek RAMASWAMY, a Republican who is using his name recognition and connections in the tech industry, as well as an alliance with Donald Trump, to raise record amounts of money for advertising campaigns aimed at November’s election. Acton is being targeted in his campaign rallies, as well as advertising.
Ramaswamy deemed the Sunday incident unacceptable.
Candidates should not have to fear violence or threats when meeting with voters. Connie Luck said that what happened was unacceptable, had no place in the world of politics and hoped no one got hurt.
Andy Wilson, the Ohio Attorney General said that in a press release: “The attempt violence against Dr. Acton was unacceptable. Political violence in any form has no place either in Ohio or in our country. My prayers go out to those injured. I’m thankful that she wasn’t hurt.
After working closely with the Ohio State Highway Patrol I am confident in the executive protection team and grateful for the quick response.
In a press release, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that he was “grateful to Dr. Amy Acton for not being injured and sends our best wishes to the victims.” “We spoke with Dr. Acton today afternoon, and she told us to let Ohioans know that she was ok.”
He added that “violence, or even the threat of violent acts at public or political events, is never acceptable.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – An armed attacker charged at Amy Acton on Sunday, during a stop for a campaign event in Canfield, Ohio. He injured several people, before he stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
In a press release, Ohio State Highway Patrol stated that Havas had pushed his way into a crowd and knocked over several people as he walked toward Acton. Acton was the former director of public health for the state. The statement stated that he had two pistols and a taser.
Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office reported that two handguns, a pair of brass knuckles and other items were found after the arrest. “No weapons were ever displayed or removed from holsters.”
The highway patrol said that Havas had been taken to county jail, where he was booked for disorderly conduct, and assault on two counts. No other information is available until an investigation has concluded. The case was not listed in online court records, nor did it appear to be represented by an attorney as of Sunday evening.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine stated in a press release that the man had “tried forcefully to push himself” towards Acton while she spoke at the Canfield fair, located in northeastern Ohio. He added that violence or threats of violence are never acceptable at public or political events.
This is just the latest act of political violence that has erupted in the United States. The Ohio governor’s race has been one of the highest-profile contests this year, as campaigns move into the last six weeks before November.
Acton faces Republican Vivek RAMASWAMY, who is using his name recognition and connections in the tech industry, as well as an alliance with Donald Trump, to raise record amounts of money for advertising campaigns aimed at November’s election. Acton is being criticized in his campaign rallies, as well as through advertising.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has called Sunday’s incident unacceptable.
Candidates should not have to fear violence or threats when meeting with voters. Connie Luck said that what happened was unacceptable, had no place in the world of politics and hoped no one got hurt.
Addie bullock, the communications director of Acton’s election campaign, stated in a press release that the suspect had “lunged at Acton.” The Democratic candidate, she said, “will stand against the chaos and hate that divides us.”
Jon Husted of the Ohio Republican Senate condemned the incident, saying on X he was “disturbed” by the attack that occurred on Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair. The quick reaction of law enforcement is appreciated. “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.”
Over the last decade, political violence has increased in this country. This includes the shooting in 2017 at the Republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria Virginia, the 2022 assault with a hammer on Nancy Pelosi’s husband in California during her presidential campaign in 2024 and another attempt to assassinate Donald Trump in Pennsylvania at his Presidential Campaign as well as a second attack on him at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April this year.
According to a report published in April by the Public Service Alliance (a nonpartisan organization that is focused on the security of public officials), federal political committees have spent over $40 million for expenses labelled as security.
Acton, who was an assistant professor of public and environmental health at Ohio State University when DeWine recruited her in 2019, became the director of Ohio Department of Health. She was thrust into the spotlight as the COVID-19 epidemic grew in the early part of 2020. Many viewers were comforted by her daily appearances at the Governor’s news conferences.
Acton received the Columbus Foundation Spirit of Columbus Award for her work as director of health, and the highest honor of Ohio State University, the Alumni Medalist Award.
Acton’s position as the public face of DeWine’s administration and its aggressive approach against the virus earned her many enemies. Among them were Statehouse Republicans, who were opposed to pandemic regulations.
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This report was written by Associated Press reporter Ryan J. Foley from Iowa City, Iowa.

The 38-year old suspect has been arrested for assault and disorderly behavior.
Numerous people, though not seriously injured, were reported to have been knocked down.
Both political parties have condemned this attack.
A man with an armed weapon was arrested for lunging and knocking down fairgoers in Mahoning County, Ohio after he threw a punch at Democratic Ohio Governor Dr. Amy Acton.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol released a press release stating that at midday, on September 6, 38-year-old Patrick M. Havas of Canfield forced his way past a crowd gathered in the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent, and he knocked over several people. He was quickly arrested by the Patrol’s executive security unit.
Acton is not hurt.
Havas, according to those in attendance, pulled out his cellphone while Acton gave her speech as if he wanted to ask Acton a specific question. Havas shoved his way through the crowd and knocked down two elderly adults.
According to a statement from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, after detaining Havas law enforcement discovered two pistols, a taser, and other items in his possession. Canfield Fair does not allow firearms inside designated buildings.
Havas was arrested at the Mahoning County Jail on two charges of assault and disorderly conduct. According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have determined that no firearms were brandished nor removed from holsters.
Acton, who was present at the scene, said that after Havas had been detained, he jumped into action to assist the volunteers.
Mary Janek, a member of the Campbell City Council said Acton had everything under control. Janek heard Acton tell those present: “We’re sick of hatred.”
Tony Kelly, Janek’s spouse, said, “It is always a good thing to have a physician in the home.”
Acton is a Democrat who’s running against Vivek RAMASWAMI, a Republican, in a close race to succeed Ohio Governor. Mike DeWine.
Addie bullock, the communications director of the Acton Campaign said: “Dr. Acton is grateful to law enforcement for their swift and decisive actions and they are praying for those who were injured.” This kind of violence is not welcome in Ohio. “Dr. Acton is always going to stand against the chaos, hatred and vitriol which pits people against each other.”
Ramaswamy’s campaign denounced the incident.
Candidates should not have to fear violence or threats when meeting with voters. “What happened today was completely unacceptable, has no place within politics and we hope no one got hurt,” said Connie Luck, a spokesperson for the campaign.
What has happened?
Havas, according to former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri who was a Democratic House candidate in Ohio and witnessed the incident said he pushed into the tent where Acton gave her speech.
Boccieri stated, “I witnessed a large person come into the room and begin to knock people about.” He knocked over a number of people before her. “One was an elderly man, perhaps in his eighties.”
Kelly said he heard Havas “playing the victim as if he has every right to be there and ask questions and push people over.” Kelly claimed that he had heard Havas, “playing victim” as if it was his right to ask questions and shove people.
Havas shared a previous address with Andrew Havas. Havas was a former volunteer for U.S. Senator Jon Husted, who quit his campaign after it became known that he had a criminal conviction. NBC News reports that Andrew Havas was sentenced to jail following allegations of sexual misconduct.
DeWine and other Ohio leaders react
DeWine talked with Acton after the incident. Acton was the Ohio Health Director during the COVID-19 Pandemic. DeWine released a statement saying that Acton told him to let Ohioans know she was OK.
DeWine stated that violence or threats of violence during political or public gatherings is never acceptable.
Husted (a Republican) and Sherrod Brown (a Democrat), both former senators, expressed concern about Acton’s situation and thanked the law enforcement agencies for taking quick action.
Husted stated, “Tina & I were disturbed by Amy Acton’s attempted assault today at Canfield Fair.” This type of behaviour is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
Brown issued a press release saying: “Connie, I and the entire family are thankful that everyone involved is safe. We thank Ohio police officers for their prompt and professional response.”
This story has been updated with the latest information.

A spokesperson for the campaign said that an armed individual “lunged at” Amy Acton (Ohio’s Democratic candidate for Governor) and injured several other people during a fair.
Addie Bulock, the spokeswoman, said that Acton and Eric “rejoiced at the quick and decisive actions of the law enforcement agencies and prayed for the healing of the injured.”
Bullock continued, “This type of violence is not acceptable in Ohio.” “Dr. Acton is always ready to stand against the hate, chaos and vitriol which pits people against each other.
Acton was visiting the annual Canfield Fair, in Mahoning County near Youngstown on Sunday afternoon. Acton was a doctor and remained at the scene to treat one of those injured. A photo shared by an attendee with NBC News shows that Acton did not get hurt.
It was unclear how many people were injured.
NBC News contacted Canfield Police and they did not immediately have any information on the incident. Ohio State Highway Patrol didn’t immediately reply to an information request.
Christopher Anderson, the chair of Mahoning County Democratic Party said that the incident occurred while Acton, the county party tent, was present.
Anderson posted on Facebook that “What happened today at our tent during Dr. Acton’s visit is reprehensible, and leaders from all parties should condemn it.” The MCDP thanks our local police officials for their quick response, as well as Ohio State Highway Patrol who provided Dr. Acton with security.
Acton served as Ohio’s Health Director under a governor who was term limited. Mike DeWine was a Republican in the beginning of the Covid epidemic. In the general elections in November, she will face Vivek RAMASWAMY, a Republican businessman and former presidential candidate in 2024. The polls indicate a tight race.
Ramaswamy was also scheduled to attend the fair on Sunday afternoon.
Connie Luck, Ramaswamy’s spokesperson said via email that candidates should not have to fear violence or threats when meeting with voters. What happened today was completely unacceptable, has no place within politics and we hope that nobody got hurt.
DeWine released a Sunday statement in which he said that both he and Acton had discussed the incident. DeWine expressed his gratitude that she wasn’t hurt.
DeWine stated that violence or threats of violence during political or public gatherings is never acceptable. This case has now been handed over to law enforcement, who will investigate it thoroughly.
On X, Sen. Jon Husted posted that he and wife are “disturbed” by the attack.
Husted said, “We appreciate the quick action taken by law enforcement.” This type of conduct is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

CANFIELD, Ohio —
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has confirmed that Amy Acton is unharmed after she was lunged upon by a man during an event for a political campaign near Youngstown, Ohio on Sunday.
Acton’s campaign had previously released a statement stating that an individual armed with a gun had attacked Acton at the Canfield Fair, in Mahoning County. This led to multiple injuries amongst those who were near her.
We are grateful that Dr. Amy Acton is not injured and send our best wishes to the victims. DeWine said that he spoke with Dr. Acton in the afternoon, and she told him to let Ohioans know she was ok. We are thankful for the swift work done by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and other law enforcers on the scene today at the Canfield Fair when a male attempted to push his way in front of Dr. Acton while she was talking and injured others at the Mahoning County Democrat Booth.
Addie bullock, Acton’s communications director, reportedly said the Democratic candidate for governor was “grateful” for the quick response of law enforcement.
This kind of violence is not welcome in Ohio. Bullock said that Dr. Acton would always be able to stand against the chaos, hatred and vitriol which pits people against each other.
Chris Anderson, chairman of Mahoning County Democratic Party confirmed, shortly after the incident, that the suspect was taken into custody by police and found to have multiple weapons.
Anderson claims that several people at the Mahoning County Democratic Party Booth were thrown to the floor as Acton lunged toward Anderson. It was unclear how serious their injuries were.
Anderson said, “What happened today at our tent during Dr. Acton’s visit is reprehensible. Leaders on both sides of the aisle should condemn it.” The MCDP thanks our local police officials for their quick response, as well as OSHP who provided Dr. Acton with security.
Vivek RAMASWAMY, Acton’s Republican rival in the Ohio governorship race, released a condemnation of the attack soon after the incident.
Candidates should not have to fear violence or threats when meeting with voters. “What happened today was completely unacceptable, has no place within politics and we hope no one got hurt,” Connie Luck said, Ramaswamy campaign’s communications director.
A photograph obtained by NBC News shows that Acton, a doctor who served previously as director of Ohio Department of Health at the height of COVID-19, stayed to treat those injured in the attack.
Acton spoke to the crowds at the annual Labor Day picnic of the Cincinnati AFL-CIO, along with Rep. Greg Landsman and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the day prior.
WLWT strives to find out more.
Below you can read the full campaign statement of Acton.
While attending the Canfield Fair an individual with a gun lunged towards Dr. Acton injuring several people. Eric and Dr. Acton are thankful for the quick and decisive actions of the law enforcement agencies and pray for those who were injured. Ohio is not a place for this kind of violence. “Dr. Acton is always going to stand against the hate, chaos and vitriol which pit us all against each other.”