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Armed Man Lunges at Ohio Gubernatorial Nominee Amy Acton at County Fair

The arrest and weapons seizure have prompted bipartisan condemnations and raised urgent questions about security at public campaign events.

Overview

  • A man rushed the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fair on Sunday, Sept. 6, lunging toward Amy Acton and knocking multiple people to the ground.
  • Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene identified the suspect as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, who is in custody and expected to face two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
  • Deputies recovered two handguns and a pair of brass knuckles from the suspect and said those weapons were not unholstered or brandished during the incident.
  • Acton was not hurt and stayed at the fair to help an injured attendee, while several volunteers and at least two older adults were treated for injuries at the scene.
  • The episode drew quick condemnation from leaders of both parties, involved Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers in the arrest, and is likely to refocus attention on candidate safety in the close governor’s race.