An armed suspect was taken into custody after charging toward Democratic Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a Sunday campaign stop at the Canfield Fair in northeastern Ohio.
Security intercepts suspect at campaign tent
The suspect, identified by authorities as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, forced his way into a Mahoning County Democratic Party tent while Acton was giving a speech.
Witnesses reported that Havas pushed aggressively through the crowd of roughly 75 supporters knocking down two older adults as he barreled toward the former state health director.
Armed individual restrained unharmed candidate
Law enforcement officials and plainclothes security personnel tackled and intercepted Havas before he could reach the candidate. Acton was unharmed in the incident, though several attendees suffered minor injuries from being knocked to the ground.
State troopers and local sheriff’s deputies recovered two handguns, a Taser and brass knuckles from the suspect. Authorities noted that none of the weapons were drawn during the confrontation.
Police book suspect as leaders condemn violence
Havas was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct as investigations into a motive continue.
Bipartisan figures quickly condemned the incident. Current Republican Governor Mike DeWine and Acton’s Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, both issued statements emphasizing that political violence has no place in democratic elections.
Acton’s campaign expressed gratitude to law enforcement, adding that the candidate remains committed to standing against political division.
The high-stakes Ohio gubernatorial race remains under close watch ahead of the November election.
