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An attack against Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown left several people injured Sunday after authorities said a man pushed toward the Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate. Acton was not injured, and the suspect was arrested at the scene.
An attack against Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair on Sunday left several people injured.
This, after an armed man allegedly pushed through a crowd toward the Democratic candidate.
Acton was not physically injured during the incident. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he spoke with Acton after the confrontation and confirmed she was safe, according to News4.
Authorities identified the suspect as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield. He was taken into custody and booked into the Mahoning County Jail.
Authorities describe confrontation at Canfield Fair
The incident happened at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent during Acton’s visit to the fair.
According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Havas entered the tent while recording with his cellphone. Authorities said he then began pushing through the crowd toward Acton as she spoke to attendees.
Acton’s security detail, which included Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, confronted him before he reached the candidate.
During the confrontation, multiple people were injured. Authorities said at least two people were knocked to the ground.
Law enforcement officers quickly took Havas into custody.
Amy Acton attack suspect carried weapons, authorities say
Moreover, investigators recovered two handguns and brass knuckles after the arrest, according to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol also reported that the suspect had a Taser. Authorities said the weapons were not drawn or brandished during the confrontation.
Havas faces two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct, according to jail records and news reports.
The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also conducting a threat assessment.
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive.
DeWine, candidates condemn political violence
DeWine praised law enforcement officers for responding quickly and said violence and threats have no place at political events.
Acton’s campaign also condemned the incident and thanked law enforcement for protecting the candidate and attendees.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign also denounced the confrontation. A campaign representative said candidates should be able to meet voters without fearing threats or violence, according to Reuters.
The incident comes as Ohio’s gubernatorial race enters a critical stage ahead of the November election.
Acton is the Democratic nominee in one of the state’s most closely watched political contests. Ramaswamy is the Republican nominee, the Associated Press reported.
Law enforcement agencies have not released additional information about the injured attendees or their conditions.
What happens next?
Havas remains in custody while authorities continue investigating the confrontation.
Officials may release additional information as investigators complete their review and prosecutors evaluate the case.
FAQs
Was Amy Acton injured in the attack?
No. Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed that Acton was not physically injured during the incident. Several other people were hurt during the confrontation.
Who was arrested after the Amy Acton attack?
Authorities identified the suspect as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield. He was arrested at the Canfield Fair and taken to the Mahoning County Jail.
What weapons did authorities recover?
Authorities reported recovering two handguns and brass knuckles. The Ohio State Highway Patrol also reported that the suspect had a Taser.
What charges does the suspect face?
Havas faces two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct, according to jail records and published reports. Authorities continue investigating the incident and have not publicly disclosed a motive.
