This is the booking photo of Patrick Havas, the suspect in the alleged incident.
According to the press office for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, an “armed individual” allegedly lunged at Acton, injuring multiple people in the process during a visit to the Canfield Fair on Sunday, September 6.
The following statement was shared by Acton’s office regarding the alleged incident:
“While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people. Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured. 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, the Communications Director for the Acton Campaign.
The Mahoning County Democratic Party (MCDP) Chair, Chris Anderson, released a statement on behalf of the Party via social media in connection with the incident, reading:
“Moments ago during a visit from Dr. Amy Acton, an individual was arrested at the MCDP tent with multiple weapons, after knocking volunteers to the ground. Let me be clear – The Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all forms. 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. MCDP is grateful for the quick response by our local law enforcement officials as well as the OSHP providing Dr. Acton security. Because this is now an ongoing investigation, we will refer all questions to law enforcement.”
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene tells 21 News that the suspect is expected to be charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. Sheriff Greene says that two older adults were knocked over during the incident.
The suspect was holding a phone or a type of camera during the incident. However, two firearms were discovered on their person.
Officials on the scene outlined what happened during the alleged attack, stating that the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, entered the MCDP tent and started pushing people out of the way to get to the front of the crowd, knocking two people over in the process.
Members of Acton’s security team intervened and assisted the Canfield Fair Police. Havas has been taken to the Mahoning County Jail.
The incident occurred, according to police, around 2:45 p.m.
According to a statement from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, as Havas pushed through the crowd and was confronted by Acton’s security team, comprised of Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers. The release outlines that it was at this time that two people were knocked to the ground.
Havas was taken into custody by Canfield Fair Police officers. After his arrest, the release states that two handguns and a set of brass knuckles were recovered. Investigators specify, however, that no weapons were brandished or removed from their holsters.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident, and troopers with the OSHP are investigating any potential threat assessment.
The Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley for Ohio Campaign released the following statement regarding the alleged incident involving Acton:
“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 that no one was hurt,” said Connie Luck, the Communications Director for Vivek for Ohio.
Ramaswamy is also campaigning, like Acton, for the Ohio Governor’s seat, which is currently held by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
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