Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, was targeted by an armed man during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown on September 6, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas, lunged towards Acton and knocked over multiple people, including two older adults, according to Sheriff Jerry Greene [1, 2, 3, 4].

Havas carried two pistols, a taser, and brass knuckles which were recovered by police at the scene [2, 3, 4]. Several people suffered injuries during the attack, but Acton herself was unharmed [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrested Havas at the scene and charged him with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault [2, 3, 4]. The agency continues to investigate the incident [2, 3, 4].

Officials from across the political spectrum condemned the attack. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, "Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable" [3]. Mahoning County Democratic Party chair Chris Anderson and the campaign of Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also denounced the attack. Connie Luck, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy's campaign, said candidates "should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence" and called the incident "completely unacceptable" [1]. Addie Bullock, Acton's campaign communications director, said, "This kind of violence has no place in Ohio" and that Dr. Acton "will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another" [1].

Acton is running against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the highly contested Ohio gubernatorial election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1, 4].

Law enforcement and campaign officials have vowed to maintain security for future events as the election approaches.