Key facts
- An armed man, Patrick Havas, charged toward Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair.
- Havas injured two people while attempting to reach Acton.
- Havas was found with a taser and two pistols.
- Havas faces charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
- Acton was unharmed during the incident.
An armed assailant charged toward Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Amy Acton, on Sunday during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, injuring two people before being stopped by troopers. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the man as Patrick Havas, 38, who forced his way through a crowd toward Acton, the state’s former public health director. Havas was found with a taser and two pistols, and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office recovered two handguns and brass knuckles, though no weapons were brandished. He was taken to the county jail and booked on charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine stated that the man "tried to forcefully push himself" toward Acton as she was speaking, adding that violence or the threat of violence at political events is unacceptable. The incident is the latest in a rise of political violence in the United States.
Acton is facing Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy's campaign called the incident unacceptable and stated candidates should be able to meet voters without fear. Addie Bullock, communications director for Acton’s campaign, said the suspect "lunged" at Acton. Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted also condemned the attempted attack.