An Ohio gubernatorial candidate was involved in an incident during a visit to a fair Sunday.
According to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Democratic nominee for governor of Ohio Amy Acton was speaking with a crowd at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
Around 2:30 p.m., 38-year-old Patrick Havas entered the tent and used his cell phone to record Acton’s visit.
The sheriff’s office says Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers confronted Havas after he pushed his way through the crowd. Two people were knocked to the ground while that was happening.
Canfield Fair police arrested Havas, who was found to have two handguns and a set of brass knuckles on him.
Investigators say no weapons were ever brandished or removed from their holsters.
The sheriff’s office is investigating and plans to file charges after consulting with the county prosecutor.
OSHP will be investigating any potential threats, the sheriff’s office says.
Acton’s office shared this statement with NBC affiliate 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.”
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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