An armed man was arrested after forcing his way through a crowd toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. The incident happened Sunday, September 6, while Acton attended the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County. Ohio State Highway Patrol officers intercepted Patrick M. Havas, 38, after he moved through the crowd. Authorities said Havas knocked several fairgoers down while attempting to reach Acton. Officers found a Taser and two pistols in his possession during the incident. Acton remained unharmed, while authorities took Havas into custody following the confrontation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol later transferred him through local authorities before booking him at Mahoning County Jail.
According to authorities, Havas faces charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault. Meanwhile, investigators are examining what happened before Havas pushed through the crowd toward the candidate. Two elderly attendees reportedly fell during the incident and received assessments for possible injuries. However, the two individuals chose not to receive additional medical treatment after those assessments. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the circumstances. Acton’s campaign also confirmed the incident and thanked law enforcement for responding quickly. Campaign officials said Acton and her husband were grateful that officers acted swiftly during the situation.
The incident occurred while Acton was speaking at the Mahoning County Democratic booth at the fair. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine later spoke with Acton and confirmed that she remained safe. DeWine also condemned violence and threats at political events, calling such behavior unacceptable. He thanked state troopers and other law enforcement personnel who responded to the incident. DeWine said authorities would continue investigating the case and determining what led to the confrontation. Meanwhile, Acton’s campaign emphasized that violence should not become part of Ohio’s political process. Officials also said they hoped those affected by the incident would recover quickly.
Acton, 60, previously served as Ohio’s public health director before becoming the Democratic gubernatorial nominee. She won the Democratic nomination earlier this year and is campaigning for governor. Her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, also condemned the incident involving the candidate and fairgoers. Ramaswamy’s spokesperson said political candidates should meet voters without facing threats or violence. The spokesperson also expressed hope that nobody suffered serious injuries during the confrontation. Both campaigns therefore emphasized public safety while authorities continued handling the investigation.
The arrest comes as Ohio’s gubernatorial campaign moves toward the general election. Meanwhile, the incident has renewed attention on security at public political appearances. Law enforcement officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the suspect’s actions. The Armed Man Arrest remains part of an active investigation, with additional details expected from authorities. Officials have not indicated that Acton suffered any physical injuries during the incident. However, several attendees experienced disruption after Havas pushed through the crowd toward the candidate. Authorities will determine the appropriate next steps as the investigation proceeds.
