An Ohio gubernatorial candidate was involved in an incident during a visit to the Canfield Fair on Sunday.
NBC affiliate WFMJ reports that an “armed individual” allegedly lunged at Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio Amy Acton, injuring multiple people, according to her press office.
Acton’s office shared this statement with WFMJ:
“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.
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson shared this statement on social media:
“Moments ago during a visit from Dr. Amy Acton, an individual was arrested at the MCDP tent who was discovered to have weapons, after knocking volunteers to the ground.
“Let me be clear - The Mahoning County Democratic Party abbhors political violence in all forms. What happened at our tent today during today’s visit from Dr. Acton is reprehensible and should be condemned by leaders on all sides of the aisle.
“MCDP is grateful for the quick response by our local law enforcement officials as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrol providing Dr. Acton security.
“Because this is now an ongoing investigation we will refer all questions to law enforcement.”
Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told WFMJ that the suspect will be charged with two counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. Greene said two older adults were knocked over during the incident.
The suspect reportedly had two guns on their person, according to WFMJ.
Officials on scene told WFMJ that the suspect, identified as Patrick Havas, entered the MCDP and pushed his way toward the front, knocking two people over.
Acton’s security team reportedly intervened and helped the Canfield Fair Police.
Havas was taken to the Mahoning County Jail, WFMJ reports.
The campaign for Republican nominee for governor of Ohio Vivek Ramaswamy shared this statement with WFMJ:
“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 that no one was hurt,” said Connie Luck, communications director for Vivek for Ohio.
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