Incident at the Canfield Fair

An armed man lunged toward Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dr. Amy Acton during a campaign appearance at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown, Ohio, on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Acton was greeting attendees at the Mahoning County Democratic Party booth when the assailant pushed forcefully through the crowd toward her. While Acton escaped unharmed, several attendees near the tent suffered injuries during the struggle.

Among those injured were two older adults using mobility scooters. Witness Wayne Penny Jr described how the attacker pushed past party volunteers and struck an elderly attendee who fell to the ground.

“He literally bull-rushed through the crowd, knocked our volunteers down, ran through, pushed and knocked the elderly gentleman over with Parkinson's, and the gentleman hit his head and fell.”

Suspect detained and weapons recovered

Officers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office intervened and restrained the attacker before he reached Acton. Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Patrick M. Havas of Canfield. Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Anderson stated that the suspect was taken into custody after knocking multiple campaign volunteers to the ground.

Following his arrest at the fairgrounds, officers transported Havas to the Mahoning County Jail. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene confirmed that Havas carried two handguns alongside brass knuckles while holding up a mobile phone during his approach. Other law enforcement reports noted that Havas possessed a stun gun. Investigators noted that Havas did not draw or fire the weapons during the altercation. Havas faces two misdemeanor counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct.

Reactions across the political spectrum

Campaign officials and elected leaders from both major political parties issued statements addressing the confrontation on Sunday evening. Acton campaign communications director Addie Bullock commended the response from security personnel and stated that Acton and her husband Eric were praying for the injured fairgoers.

“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 each other.”

Connie Luck, communications director for Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, stated that political events must remain secure for all participants.

“Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence.”

Outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who endorsed Ramaswamy in the race, also issued a statement alongside his wife Fran. DeWine confirmed that he spoke directly with Acton following the altercation and expressed gratitude to the state troopers and local deputies who secured the scene.

Context of the Ohio gubernatorial race

The general election for Ohio governor will take place on 3 November 2026, coinciding with the nationwide United States midterm elections. DeWine, who cannot seek another term due to statutory term limits, appointed Acton to lead the Ohio Department of Health in 2019, where she gained statewide prominence during public health briefings. Acton and Ramaswamy are competing in November to succeed DeWine as governor.