WASHINGTON DC. WA, September 7, 2026 — An armed man pushed his way into a crowded tent during the Canfield Fair on Sunday to confront Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton.
The Nightmares in the Fairgrounds
As the chaotic rush unfolded, state troopers wrestled the suspect to the ground just yards away from the candidate as several of those standing nearby fell to the ground. According to campaign officials, Acton itself was uninjured and none of the others injured are believed to be serious injuries. Investigators determined the escalated suspect was 38-year-old Patrick Havas, who charged into the Mahoning County Democratic Party booth with a phone recording of Acton. He knocked two people down before the security details and troopers blocked him. Police say Havas was then found with two holstered handguns, a Taser and brass knuckles—though he never brandished any of the weapons. The scare occurred around 2:30 p.m. as Acton was chatting with local backers. Canfield Fair officers and state troopers were already at the location and quickly moved in to subdue Havas. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden eruption of people scurrying away, then returning only to find an officer controlling him.
Officials React
Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who along with First Lady Fran DeWine personally called Acton upon learning of the incident, expressed profound relief over her uninjured status. DeWine decried the violence, saying political violence or threats are “always abhorrent” and left an account of what happened to law enforcement. The Acton campaign released a statement thanking the troopers for their swift response. Political rivals faced off in quick condemnation of the troubling encounter as well. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s spokesman condemned the attack, saying “candidates should be free to connect with voters without fearing threats or violence.” That shared bipartisan concern, in turn, illustrates just how seriously officials statewide are taking political security.
A Campaign Under Pressure
Acton, a physician and former state health director, remained behind at the fairgrounds to care for an attendee who was injured. Shortly after, photos posted to social media show Acton kneeling in the grass next to a woman. Her campaign said she remained to offer prayers for all the affected people in that chaotic situation. It would intensify the governor’s race, a closely watched contest viewed as vital to Ohio’s political future by both parties. The nomination was won way back in May by Acton, who rose to national prominence leading the state’s response at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is what led up to the last minute scare of Sundays, which had done nothing more than temporarily interrupt events on the campaign trail when policy debates have predominated.
What Happens Next
Havas was booked into the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office jail on two counts of assault and disorderly conduct. It was not immediately clear Sunday evening whether he had retained legal counsel. The sheriff’s office has taken over the primary investigation into how the armed suspect managed to push deep into the secure tent. Fair managers say they will review all security protocols ahead of the event’s final weekend. Despite the scare, neither gubernatorial campaign plans to cancel scheduled public appearances. Both teams confirmed they will proceed with planned stops across Ohio as scheduled.
