A prosecutor in Mahoning County, Ohio is refuting Democratic Party gubernatorial Amy Acton’s account of the alleged “attack” on her that occurred this past weekend. The incident generated national attention and statements against political violence from a number of the country’s most prominent Democrats.
Acton and her campaign initially claimed that “multiple people” were injured when an armed individual “lunged” at her as she was giving a speech in the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the Canfield Fair on Sunday.
“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,” the campaign said in a statement. “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,” the statement read.
Authorities identified the man as Patrick Havas, 38, of Canfield. They said he entered the tent while recording on his phone, pushed through the crowd as Acton spoke, and knocked two older attendees to the ground. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene initially stated that Havas was attempting to ask questions but got “a little aggressive about it,” while a follow-up statement appeared to indicate that Acton’s security detail may have been responsible for knocking the individuals down.
After his arrest, officers recovered two handguns, a Taser, and brass knuckles. Officials stated that none of the weapons were brandished or removed from their holsters.
Acton was not injured, while the two people who were knocked over were evaluated for injuries and released without needing any further medical care.
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🚨🚨Amy Acton narrative destroyed by Prosecutor
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro described the evidence against Patrick Havas and it completely goes against every lie told by FAKE NEWS OUTLETS!!!!!!
AMY ACTON WAS NEVER ATTACKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL LIES!!!!! pic.twitter.com/3M2DaZif0z
— Jeremiah Ohio 🇺🇸 (@THEDAYTONDUDE) September 8, 2026
On Tuesday, Havas appeared virtually in Mahoning County court and pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault, one count of disorderly conduct, and one count of inducing panic, all misdemeanors. Judge Molly Johnson set bond at $5,000 and ordered no contact with Acton or the two injured attendees, surrender of firearms, and no media contact.
Prosecutor Lynn Maro said Acton is listed as a victim because of the inducing-panic charge.
Maro further described the incident differently from the campaign’s initial account. “He appeared in that tent wanting to ask questions,” she told the court. “You should know law enforcement gained consent for them to have complete access to his cellphone so they found no threats,” she added.
After the hearing she said the video recorded on Havas’ phone “shows him walking into the tent, recording, and moving forward, calling out her name … Somebody in her security comes forward, and then his phone is either dropped or tousled, and that’s all we have.” She further emphasized that Acton was never in danger of being injured, as Havas never got close.
Maro defended the decision not to file felony charges. She noted that Havas never made physical contact with Acton and never brandished a weapon. Ohio law generally permits adults to possess firearms without a permit.
“We’re not going to let emotions take over. We’re going to follow the evidence. We’re going to follow the facts, and that’s how we’re going to prosecute,” she added.
A keyword search of the phone found no threats against Acton or signs of fixation on her. Investigators are still examining the device and have asked the public for additional video, though Maro noted that attendees had been asked not to record inside the tent.
