Armed man attacks Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton at fair, injuring several

An armed man lunged at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton on Sunday at the Canfield Fair in Mahoning County, Ohio, injuring multiple people before being arrested. Acton, the state's former public health director, and her husband Eric were unharmed.

The suspect, identified as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield, allegedly pushed through the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent, knocking volunteers and two older adults to the ground while holding a phone or camera. Law enforcement found two firearms on him, and brass knuckles according to one report.

“Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another.”

Acton's security detail, comprised of Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, apprehended Havas before he could draw either weapon. He faces felony assault and disorderly conduct charges and is held at Mahoning County Jail.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine condemned the attack, calling political violence unacceptable. Acton's Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy also denounced the incident, stating candidates should meet voters without fear of threats.

The attack comes as the Ohio governor's race enters its final six weeks before the November election. Acton is running to flip the office in a closely watched contest against Ramaswamy, who has aligned with President Donald Trump.

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson called the violence reprehensible and urged leaders across the political spectrum to condemn it. Authorities continue investigating the motive.