Armed Man Intercepts Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate at Canfield Fair

<p>An armed man forced his way through a crowd toward Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, knocking over multiple fairgoers before being stopped by law enforcement at the Canfield Fair on September 6, according to authorities.</p><p>Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s executive protection unit intercepted Patrick M. Havas, 38, during the incident, as stated by the Ohio Department of Public Safety.</p><p>According to the highway patrol, "Havas knocked multiple fairgoers over while trying to get towards Dr. Acton, and was found to be in possession of a taser and two pistols." Acton was unharmed during the incident.</p><p>Havas was initially taken into custody by Canfield Fair Police and then transferred to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, where he was booked on two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. He is currently held in pretrial custody.</p><p>The highway patrol and sheriff’s office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, with no additional details available at this time.</p><p>Acton’s campaign initially reported that an armed individual lunged at the candidate and injured multiple people. Addie Bullock, the campaign communications director, stated, "While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people." Bullock expressed gratitude for the swift action of law enforcement and stated, "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."</p><p>Ohio Governor Mike DeWine confirmed that Acton was not injured and mentioned that he and First Lady Fran DeWine spoke with her following the incident. He stated, "Fran and I are thankful Dr. Amy Acton was not hurt, and we send our thoughts to those who were injured." DeWine described the man as having "tried to forcefully push himself toward Dr. Acton" while she was speaking at the Mahoning County Democratic booth.</p><p>DeWine commended the quick response of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement present at the Canfield Fair, stating, "Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable. This case is now in the hands of law enforcement and will be investigated thoroughly."</p><p>The incident occurred as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that candidates and public figures continue to face threats as the campaign season intensifies. Mullin stated, "You’re never safe in the public eye," during an interview.</p><p>Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, condemned the incident, with Ramaswamy's campaign communications director stating, "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."</p><p>Acton and Ramaswamy are set to compete in November’s gubernatorial election to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine. Acton, a physician, gained prominence while serving as director of the Ohio Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and her handling of the pandemic has become a central campaign issue.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office for further information.</p>