Key facts
- Patrick Havas, 38, is accused of charging toward Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton.
- Havas was reportedly trying to ask Acton questions and was recording on his cellphone.
- Authorities found no threats on Havas's cellphone and he did not brandish his weapons.
- Havas knocked down two people while attempting to reach Acton.
- Havas pleaded not guilty to assault, disorderly conduct, and inducing panic charges.
- His bond was set at $5,000, and he was ordered to have no contact with Acton.
An armed man accused of charging toward Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign stop at a fair was attempting to ask her questions, a prosecutor said Tuesday. Patrick Havas, 38, pleaded not guilty to assault, disorderly conduct, and inducing panic charges during his arraignment. His bond was set at $5,000.
Authorities stated that Havas never brandished or unholstered the weapons he had on him, which included two handguns, a taser, and brass knuckles. A search of his cellphone revealed no threats. Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro told the judge that law enforcement gained consent to access Havas's cellphone. Maro also noted that video from Havas's phone shows him walking into the tent, recording, and calling out Acton's name.
Havas knocked down two people as he forced his way through the crowd on Sunday at the Canfield fair. Acton's security detail, composed of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, intercepted Havas. Two individuals were treated at the scene and released. Mike Ray, a city councilman, witnessed two people in mobility scooters fall over.
Havas's attorney, J. Gerald Ingram, stated that his client has lived with his mother for 30 years and is not a flight risk. The Ohio gubernatorial race is a high-profile contest, with Acton facing Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy's campaign called the incident unacceptable.
The judge ordered that Havas have no contact with Acton or the two people who were knocked down, and that he forfeit any guns. He was also ordered to refrain from speaking with the media. Acton's campaign expressed gratitude for the rule of law being upheld and appreciation for law enforcement.