Amy Acton’s campaign has spoken out after an armed man lunged at the Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee during a county fair visit, leaving two older adults injured.
Patrick Havas, 38, stormed into the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the annual Canfield Fair in Mahoning County on Sunday while Acton, a physician, was greeting attendees, according to statements from campaign and party officials. The incident triggered a rapid law enforcement response and ended with Havas in custody on multiple charges.
Addie Bullock, Communications Director for the Acton campaign, said in a statement that the candidate and her husband Eric “are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured.”
“This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” Bullock added. “Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate, and vitriol that pits us against one another.”
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson described the episode in a social media statement, writing that Havas “busted into” the party tent and “pushed his way to the front, knocking multiple volunteers to the ground in the process.”
“Let me be clear – The Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all forms,” Anderson said. “What happened at our tent today during today’s visit from Dr. Acton is reprehensible and should be condemned by leaders on all sides of the aisle.”
“MCDP is grateful for the quick response by our local law enforcement officials as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol providing Dr. Acton security,” the Chair continued.
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told local media that Havas was carrying two firearms and brass knuckles at the time of the confrontation, though he was also holding a phone camera. Members of Acton’s security detail, comprised of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, apprehended Havas before he could draw either weapon, according to reports. Canfield Fair Police then assisted in taking him into custody.
The sheriff noted that two older adults were pushed down amid the pandemonium. Acton herself was unharmed and remained at the scene to attend to one of the injured individuals.
Inmate records show Havas, described as a large, bearded bald man, has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
Connie Luck, Communications Director for Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, weighed in with a statement to local outlet 21 News.
“Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence,” Luck said. “What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt.”
The confrontation comes as Acton, who previously served as Ohio’s health director, campaigns against Ramaswamy in the state’s closely watched governor’s race. The incident has drawn condemnation across party lines and renewed attention to security concerns surrounding candidates in competitive elections.
An investigation into the matter remains ongoing, authorities said.