Suspect Arrested After Allegedly Lunging at Amy Acton at Event

Sunday’s afternoon campaign event for Amy Acton took a scary turn when an Ohio man allegedly “lunged” at the Democratic nominee for governor at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County. The suspect has been identified as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield. Acton was unharmed, and the suspect did not draw the weapons he was found to have on him.

However, two people were injured in the incident.

A statement from Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene provided to CBS News indicated that the suspect “aggressively shoved his way through the crowd toward Acton while holding a cell phone up.” In the process of rushing forward, Greene said in his statement, Havas allegedly knocked over two people on mobility scooters, with one falling to the ground.

The Acton campaign used the word “lunged” to describe Havas’ alleged actions that took place at approximately 2:30 p.m.

“While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people. Dr. Acton and 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. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another,” said Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton campaign in a statement posted to the campaign website.

Havas was arrested on-site and booked at the Mahoning County Jail “on charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault,” according to a statement from the Ohio Highway Patrol, as shared by NBC News. Acton has a security detail comprised of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

NBC News also noted that two handguns, a set of brass knuckles, and a Taser were recovered. “Havas did not brandish the weapons or remove them from their holsters, according to investigators.”

Ohio political figures reacted to the incident, wishing Acton well. This includes the campaign of her opponent, Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy and his running mate, Senate President Rob McColley.

Other Ohio Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who is facing a special election in November, Auditor Keith Faber running for attorney general, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is running for auditor, also expressed on X their well wishes for Acton. The Mahoning County Republican Party also posted to Facebook.

Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, who is term-limited, weighed in as well. Acton worked for the DeWine administration during the COVID-19 pandemic as the director of the Ohio Department of Health.

The governor noted that he and his wife spoke with Acton that same day, “and she said to share with Ohioans that she is okay.”

“This case is now in the hands of law enforcement and will be investigated thoroughly,” DeWine also noted.

In the final months before the general election, Ohio’s governor’s race is regarded as a “Toss-Up,” along with the Senate race.