Updated Sept. 6, 2026, 7:33 p.m. ET
An armed person “lunged” at Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown, Ohio, on Sept. 6, injuring multiple people, campaign officials said.
Chris Anderson, chair of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, said on Facebook that a man was arrested at the party’s tent at the fair “after knocking volunteers to the ground.”
“What happened at our tent today during today’s visit from Dr. Acton is reprehensible and should be condemned by leaders on all sides of the aisle,” Anderson said.
Patrick Havas, 38, was arrested and booked into the Mahoning County Jail, according to The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network. Records show he was charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
Addie Bullock, communications director for Acton’s campaign, said on social media that multiple people were hurt in the incident.
“Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured,” Bullock said. “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to chaos, hate, and vitriol that pits us against one another.”
According to former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri, a Democratic candidate for the Ohio House who witnessed the incident, “an armed individual” attempted to attack the gubernatorial candidate at the Canfield Fair.
“Her security detail intercepted and restrained the man before he could reach her,” Boccieri said in a statement to the Dispatch.
Gov. DeWine, other Ohio leaders respond
Boccieri told the Akron Beacon Journal, also part of the USA TODAY Network, that the attack “looked very coordinated” and that he first saw someone who looked like they were directing the suspect to where Acton was.
“I saw a large individual come in and start knocking people around. He knocked down quite a few people in front of her,” he said. Boccieri added that Acton, a physician, was not hurt and that she started treating those who had been pushed down.
Outgoing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine confirmed that Acton was OK in a post on social media.
“Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” DeWine said.
Acton is running to replace DeWine in November. She is in a tight race with Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy.
“Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence,” Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said in a statement to USA TODAY. “What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics.”
This story has been updated.
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