Armed Man Attacks Democratic Candidate Amy Acton at Ohio Fair

<figure><img alt="amy acton" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/KZOXUCHSBVAMFAWMJDWHHQWGFM.png?auth=407b6c55cdf03f079e16cf5a2106637ae386c6943d45c06b114a01c37e74a01a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1680" /><figcaption>Jon Cherry/Getty Images/Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office</figcaption></figure><p>An armed man attacked Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair in northeastern Ohio on September 6, 2026. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, reportedly lunged at Acton, injuring multiple individuals in the process, according to a campaign spokesperson.</p><p>The spokesperson stated, "Dr. Acton and [her husband] 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." Havas, a registered Republican, was reported to have barged into the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s tent, pushing through the crowd and knocking two people to the ground.</p><p>Witnesses indicated that he was carrying two firearms. Havas is a licensed nurse and resides in Canfield, Ohio, as per public records. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct, according to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office.</p><p>Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that Acton was unharmed and condemned political violence in a post on X. He expressed gratitude for the prompt response of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement present at the fair, emphasizing that "violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable." He confirmed that the case is under investigation.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to Acton for further comments.</p><p><i>This is a developing story that will be updated.</i></p>