Multiple injured after armed person lunges at Acton during Canfield Fair, campaign says

CANFIELD, Ohio — Multiple people were injured after an armed person lunged at Dr. Amy Acton, her campaign told WCPO on Sunday.

Police said that at approximately 2:30 p.m., Patrick Havas, 38, entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Havas was recording on his cell phone as he approached Acton, who was speaking to the crowd gathered at the tent.

As he was entering the tent, Havas started pushing his way through the crowd. Acton's security detail, which was made up of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, confronted Havas, and as that was happening, two people were knocked to the ground.

Havas was quickly taken into custody by Canfield Fair Police officers.

After his arrest, two handguns and a set of brass knuckles were recovered.

Investigators said no weapons were ever brandished or removed from their holsters.

"This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another,” said Addie Bullock, Communications Director for the Acton campaign.

The Acton campaign thanked law enforcement for their "swift and decisive action," adding that they are praying for the recovery of those who were injured.

A statement sent by Gov. Mike DeWine sheds more light into the incident that unfolded at Canfield Fair on Sunday:

“We are grateful for the quick work of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement on the scene at the Canfield Fair today when a man tried to forcefully push himself toward Dr. Acton as she was speaking and injured other attendees at the Mahoning County Democrat booth," DeWine said, in part.

In the statement, DeWine mentioned that Acton was not injured after the man lunged toward her.

A spokesperson for Vivek Ramaswamy sent the following statement in response to the recent incident at Canfield Fair:

"Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope hope that no one was hurt," said Connie Luck, communications director for Vivek for Ohio.

David Pepper, the Democrat running alongside Acton for lieutenant governor, re-posted a photo showing Acton assisting someone who was injured in the incident.

On social media, GOP Sen. Jon Husted said he was "disturbed" by the attempted attack against Acton.

Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is running to against Husted in the 2026 midterm elections, thanked law enforcement for their swift response to the incident at the Canfield Fair.

Additionally, multiple members of Ohio’s congressional delegation took to social media to thank law enforcement and condemn political violence:

Havas remains in police custody and charges are pending.