Armed man charged toward Democratic candidate for Ohio governor at fair, law enforcement says

An armed man was arrested Sunday, September 6, 2026, after he charged toward Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign event at the Canfield Fair in northeastern Ohio. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, reportedly forced his way through a crowd towards Acton's campaign tent.

During the incident, Havas allegedly knocked over multiple individuals, including two elderly fairgoers, causing injuries to several people. Although Acton was not physically harmed, her security detail, composed of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, swiftly apprehended Havas. Upon his arrest, authorities recovered two pistols, a taser, and brass knuckles from him; however, no weapons were reportedly brandished or removed from their holsters.

Havas was transported to the Mahoning County Jail and booked on charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault. The incident drew widespread condemnation from political figures across the state, including Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who emphasized that violence or the threat of violence at public events is unacceptable.