Armed Man Arrested After Pushing Through Crowd Toward Amy Acton at Canfield Fair
CANFIELD, Ohio — An armed Canfield man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after authorities said he pushed through a crowd toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton during her appearance at the Canfield Fair.
Acton was not injured, but other attendees were hurt during the disturbance.
The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield.
According to a statement posted by the agency, Havas entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at approximately 2:30 p.m. while using his cellphone to record Acton’s visit. Acton was speaking to a crowd gathered inside the tent at the time.
Authorities said Havas began pushing his way through the crowd as he entered the tent.
Acton’s executive protection detail, consisting of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, confronted Havas. During the encounter, two people were knocked to the ground.
Canfield Fair Police officers quickly took Havas into custody.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators recovered two handguns and a set of brass knuckles following the arrest. Authorities emphasized that none of the weapons was brandished or removed from its holster during the incident.
Detectives with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation and consulting with the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office regarding charges.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is separately conducting a potential threat assessment.
Acton Campaign Responds
The Ohioans for Amy Acton campaign characterized the encounter as an armed individual lunging toward the candidate.
“While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people,” said Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton campaign.
Bullock said Acton and her husband, Eric, were grateful for the response from law enforcement and were praying for those injured.
“This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” Bullock said. “Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another.”
The campaign’s description that Havas “lunged” at Acton differs slightly from the Sheriff’s Office’s account, which said he pushed through the crowd before being confronted by troopers.
State Leaders Condemn Incident
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson condemned the incident and thanked law enforcement for its response.
“The attempted violence directed at Dr. Acton is unacceptable , political violence of any kind has no place in Ohio or our nation,” Wilson said. “I am thankful she was unharmed, and my prayers are with those who were injured.”
Wilson also expressed confidence in Acton’s executive protection detail and praised the troopers’ quick action.
Gov. Mike DeWine said he and First Lady Fran DeWine spoke with Acton following the incident and confirmed she was safe.
“We spoke to Dr. Acton this afternoon and she said to share with Ohioans that she is OK,” DeWine said.
The governor thanked the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law-enforcement officers at the Canfield Fair for their response.
“Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” DeWine said. “This case is now in the hands of law enforcement and will be investigated thoroughly.”
The Vindicator and the Associated Press also reported on the arrest and investigation.
The accompanying image is a generated news graphic and does not depict the actual incident.
