This is the booking photo of Patrick Havas, the suspect in the alleged incident. According to Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton’s press office, an “armed individual” allegedly lunged at Acton, injuring several people in the process during a visit to the Canfield Fair on Sunday, September 6. The following statement was shared by Acton’s office regarding the alleged incident: “While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring several people. Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the quick and decisive action of authorities and are praying for the recovery of those injured. This type of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that comes at us. against each other,” said Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton Campaign. During an incident at the Canfield Fair on Sunday, an armed suspect approached Acton. One person has since been arrested. Corey McCrae has more details about what a witness says he saw. Mahoning County Democratic Party (MCDP) Chairman Chris Anderson issued a statement on behalf of the Party via social media regarding the incident, which read: “Moments ago, during a visit by Dr. Amy Acton, an individual was arrested at the MCDP tent with multiple weapons, after knocking volunteers to the ground. Let me be clear: the Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all its forms. What happened today at our tent during the Dr. Acton’s visit is reprehensible and should be condemned “The MCDP is grateful for the quick response of our local law enforcement officials as well as OSHP providing security for Dr. Acton. Because this is now an ongoing investigation, we will refer all questions to authorities.” Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told 21 News that the suspect is expected to be charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. Sheriff Greene says two elderly adults were run over during the incident. The suspect was holding a phone or some type of camera during the incident. However, two firearms were discovered on his person. Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help. Anyone with cell phone or other video footage capturing the incident that occurred Sunday at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fairgrounds is asked to contact the office. Officers are seeking video or photographs of the incident involving Acton and/or Patrick Havas and are urging anyone with them to contact Deputy Chief Jeff Allen at 330-480-5012 as soon as possible. that occurred during the alleged attack, indicating that the suspect, identified as Patrick Havas, 38, entered the MCDP store and began pushing people out of the way to get to the front of the crowd, knocking down two people in the process. Members of the Acton security team intervened and assisted Canfield Fair police. Havas has been taken to the Mahoning County Jail. The incident occurred, according to police, around 2:45 p.m. Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, when Havas pushed his way through the crowd and was confronted by Acton’s security team, made up of Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) officers. The release describes that it was at this time that two people were knocked to the ground. brandished or pulled weapons from their holsters. Sheriff’s Office detectives continue to investigate the incident, and OSHP troopers are investigating any potential threat assessment. John Boccieri, Democratic candidate for Ohio District 58, issued a statement that read in part: “This incident should alarm all Ohioans, regardless of political affiliation. There can be absolutely no tolerance for threats, intimidation, or violence against candidates, elected officials, campaign volunteers, or citizens participating in our democratic process. We live in a deeply divided political environment, but political disagreement can never become an excuse for violence. Democrats, Republicans, and independents must unite to condemn conduct that threatens anyone exercising the right to participate in public life.” McColley for Ohio Campaign issued the following statement regarding the alleged incident involving Acton: “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 no one is hurt,” said Connie Luck, Vivek’s communications director for Ohio. Ramaswamy is also campaigning, like Acton, for the Ohio governor’s seat, currently held by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, with whom Acton previously worked. DeWine himself weighed in on the incident, calling to say he is grateful Acton was not hurt and that political violence is “always unacceptable” regardless of where take place and which party is involved. Another member of DeWine’s cabinet, Attorney General Andy Wilson, echoed this sentiment and thanked OSHP for its quick action to ensure that no one was seriously injured. Some local leaders also weighed in, such as Mahoning County Commissioner Geno DeFabio. He posted a statement on his official Facebook page condemning political violence. The statement reads in part: “Political violence of any kind has no place in America! The rhetoric needs to tone down immediately. People are being murdered, shot and assaulted and for what? Policy? From the 86/47 stickers given out last year at the fair to the political ads we hear every day, some crazy shit is going to happen. It is better than letting politics resort to violence on both sides of the aisle.” Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar also issued a statement condemning political violence and urging the public to pray. “As I mentioned previously in April after the Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, we must pray for peace in times of disagreement and discord,” Bishop Bonnar said.
