Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton Responds to Incident at Canfield Fair

<figure><img alt="Picture taken on September 5, 2026, shows Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Ohio, Amy Acton speaking during the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council's Labor Day picnic at Stricker's Grove in Hamilton, Ohio, U.S." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/EYLGUAMCONA2TNQFLRJGU3V7NA.JPG?auth=c0e396d6d8bf44a81d2f985ed94e7ac3688e4d0ff6cf568fcb6abce6e2f3f786&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1983&amp;height=1116" /><figcaption>Frank Bowen IV / via REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Amy Acton has addressed an incident involving a registered Republican at the Canfield Fair in northeastern Ohio on September 6, 2026. During the event, a man allegedly lunged at her, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals, although Acton herself was unharmed.</p><p>The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, reportedly attempted to confront Acton and was found in possession of two pistols and a taser. He has been charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.</p><p>Acton, who is a physician, attended Cleveland’s annual Labor Day parade on September 7, where she spoke about the incident. "Yes, we had a rough day yesterday," she stated, expressing gratitude for the first responders and offering prayers for those injured. She emphasized her commitment to her campaign, stating, "I am a fierce warrior in this fight, and that’s exactly why I’m running."</p><p>Acton also commented on the negative tone in politics, noting that many people feel "exhausted of the hate and the chaos and the vitriol" and feel they are being "purposely pitted against one another."</p><p>Following the attack, Acton reportedly assisted injured volunteers in the crowd. On the day of the Labor Day parade, she was seen helping individuals experiencing medical emergencies.</p><p>In a related note, it was reported that Havas’ brother is a Republican political volunteer who was previously fired due to a sexual misconduct case involving a minor. This incident has drawn attention to the family background of the suspect.</p>