An armed man was arrested Sunday after allegedly forcing his way toward Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton during a campaign appearance at the Canfield Fair, authorities reported.
Patrick Havas, 38, was taken into custody following the incident at a Mahoning County Democratic Party tent where Acton was addressing supporters. According to the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office, Havas was armed with two pistols, a Taser, and brass knuckles at the time of his arrest, though he did not draw any of the weapons.
The confrontation resulted in multiple injuries as Havas allegedly shoved his way through the assembled crowd. Witnesses reported seeing an elderly man and woman knocked to the ground during the disruption. Acton herself was not injured in the incident.
Law enforcement officers present at the fair responded immediately and subdued Havas. He has been charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
The incident has prompted widespread criticism from officials across party lines. Republican Governor Mike DeWine and Vivek Ramaswamy, Acton's Republican opponent in the gubernatorial race, both issued statements condemning what occurred at the fair.
Acton's campaign released a statement commending law enforcement for their swift action and denouncing violence in the political arena.
Despite the frightening encounter, Acton resumed her campaign schedule and appeared at a Labor Day event, where she addressed supporters about the significance of the incident in the context of her candidacy for governor.
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Ava Hart
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