On Sunday, a 38-year-old armed man from Canfield identified as Patrick Havas was taken into custody after rushing toward Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign appearance at the state’s annual Canfield Fair. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, assigned to provide security for Acton, intercepted the suspect before he could reach the politician, preventing what could have been a far deadlier outcome.
According to Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene, who shared details of the incident with CBS News, Havas aggressively pushed through gathered attendees while holding up a cell phone, knocking over two people who rely on mobility scooters. While Acton emerged from the incident unharmed, multiple bystanders sustained injuries as the suspect lunged toward the candidate. Havas was found carrying two loaded pistols at the time of his arrest. He is currently being held in the Mahoning County jail, facing two misdemeanor assault charges and one count of disorderly conduct.
In an official statement following the incident, Acton’s communications director shared that the candidate and her husband Eric are deeply grateful for the swift, decisive intervention of law enforcement officers on site, and are praying for the full recovery of those injured. The statement also pushed back against rising political tensions, noting that this type of violence has no place in Ohio’s public discourse. “Dr Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another,” the statement read.
Acton’s Republican opponent in the governor’s race, Vivek Ramaswamy – a close ally of former President Donald Trump – released a statement condemning the attack. His communications director emphasized that all political candidates should be able to meet and interact with voters without fear of violence or threats, calling Sunday’s incident “completely unacceptable” and noting political violence has no place in the democratic process. Incumbent Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine echoed this condemnation, also affirming that violence has no place at public political gatherings.
Sunday’s incident is the latest in a growing string of high-profile political violence that has shaken the United States over recent years. Elected officials at both the state and federal level have increasingly been targeted, and the nation has already seen multiple deadly attacks targeting political figures this cycle. Last September, well-known conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed in an attack in Utah, and earlier this year, Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered at their private residence. There have also been multiple documented assassination attempts targeting former President Trump, who is currently the leading Republican nominee for the 2026 presidential election.