Blab Politics
Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton Attacked by Armed Man at Canfield Fair
On Labor Day weekend, the Ohio gubernatorial campaign was interrupted when an armed man rushed toward Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, when 38‑year‑old Patrick Havas forced his way through a crowd, knocking several people to the ground. Law enforcement, including members of Acton’s Ohio Highway Patrol protective detail, quickly subdued Havas.
According to police reports, Havas was carrying two guns, a taser, and brass knuckles, although he did not brandish any of the weapons. He was also recording video on his cell phone. Acton was not injured, and the few people who sustained injuries were not seriously hurt. After the confrontation, Acton helped some of the injured volunteers before returning to the campaign trail that same day.
Acton, a former Ohio Department of Health director who led the state’s COVID‑19 response, was scheduled to speak at the Lorain County Labor Fest. She did not deliver a speech there but met with local Democratic Party officials and supporters. In a brief statement to reporters in Lorain, she said she had been discussing divisiveness when Havas rushed toward her.
The suspect’s background has drawn attention. Havas is a registered Republican and is reportedly related to a former volunteer who worked on the reelection campaign of U.S. Senator Jon Husted, R‑Upper Arlington. Husted’s campaign cut ties with the volunteer after learning he had a criminal record.
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene, who was on the scene, downplayed the incident in an interview with the New York Times. Greene said, “I think it was to ask her a couple of questions. He was just, you know, pretty aggressive about it.” Greene is a known supporter of Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy.
Havas was arrested on Tuesday and faced four misdemeanor charges: two counts of assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of inducing panic. A Mahoning County judge set his bond at $5,000. Havas pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
The attack has prompted swift condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement saying, “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable.” Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy’s campaign, added, “Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence.”
The Ohio gubernatorial race, which will be decided on November 3, 2026, currently features Acton as the only Democratic nominee and Ramaswamy as the Republican nominee. Acton is a medical doctor and former state health director; if elected, she would become Ohio’s first woman governor and first Jewish governor. Ramaswamy, a businessman and former U.S. Senator, would be the state’s first Indian‑American and Hindu governor.
The incident at Canfield Fair is part of a broader pattern of political violence that has affected the United States in recent years. The article notes that President Donald Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts, and other political figures have been targeted in violent incidents. The attack on Acton underscores the heightened risk for candidates during the campaign season.
As the campaign season progresses, the Ohio political community remains vigilant. Law enforcement agencies have increased security at campaign events, and political parties have issued statements urging calm. The next steps for Havas will involve the court process, while Acton continues her campaign schedule, including a planned stop in Lorain and other venues. The incident remains a reminder of the potential for violence in the political arena and the importance of maintaining safety for candidates and supporters alike.
According to police reports, Havas was carrying two guns, a taser, and brass knuckles, although he did not brandish any of the weapons. He was also recording video on his cell phone. Acton was not injured, and the few people who sustained injuries were not seriously hurt. After the confrontation, Acton helped some of the injured volunteers before returning to the campaign trail that same day.
Acton, a former Ohio Department of Health director who led the state’s COVID‑19 response, was scheduled to speak at the Lorain County Labor Fest. She did not deliver a speech there but met with local Democratic Party officials and supporters. In a brief statement to reporters in Lorain, she said she had been discussing divisiveness when Havas rushed toward her.
The suspect’s background has drawn attention. Havas is a registered Republican and is reportedly related to a former volunteer who worked on the reelection campaign of U.S. Senator Jon Husted, R‑Upper Arlington. Husted’s campaign cut ties with the volunteer after learning he had a criminal record.
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene, who was on the scene, downplayed the incident in an interview with the New York Times. Greene said, “I think it was to ask her a couple of questions. He was just, you know, pretty aggressive about it.” Greene is a known supporter of Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy.
Havas was arrested on Tuesday and faced four misdemeanor charges: two counts of assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of inducing panic. A Mahoning County judge set his bond at $5,000. Havas pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
The attack has prompted swift condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement saying, “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable.” Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy’s campaign, added, “Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence.”
The Ohio gubernatorial race, which will be decided on November 3, 2026, currently features Acton as the only Democratic nominee and Ramaswamy as the Republican nominee. Acton is a medical doctor and former state health director; if elected, she would become Ohio’s first woman governor and first Jewish governor. Ramaswamy, a businessman and former U.S. Senator, would be the state’s first Indian‑American and Hindu governor.
The incident at Canfield Fair is part of a broader pattern of political violence that has affected the United States in recent years. The article notes that President Donald Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts, and other political figures have been targeted in violent incidents. The attack on Acton underscores the heightened risk for candidates during the campaign season.
As the campaign season progresses, the Ohio political community remains vigilant. Law enforcement agencies have increased security at campaign events, and political parties have issued statements urging calm. The next steps for Havas will involve the court process, while Acton continues her campaign schedule, including a planned stop in Lorain and other venues. The incident remains a reminder of the potential for violence in the political arena and the importance of maintaining safety for candidates and supporters alike.
