Armed Man Arrested After Attempting to Assault Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton
An armed suspect, Patrick Hovas, was arrested after attempting to assault Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at the Canfield Fair. Two handguns and brass knuckles were recovered.
An armed man was arrested on Sunday after attempting to assault Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio, during her visit to the Canfield Fair in the northeastern part of the state. Acton was not harmed, but several attendees sustained minor injuries during the physical altercation.
Confrontation at the Democratic Tent
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Hovas, entered the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at approximately 2:30 PM while Acton was speaking to the crowd. According to the local Sheriff's Office, Hovas was filming the candidate with his cell phone before he began aggressively advancing toward her.
Acton's security detail, which included Ohio State Highway Patrol officers, confronted the suspect. During the ensuing struggle, two bystanders were knocked to the ground. Fair security officers subdued Hovas and placed him under arrest before he could reach the candidate.
Weapons Recovered and Investigation
A subsequent search of Hovas revealed he was carrying two handguns and brass knuckles. However, the Sheriff's Office emphasized that Hovas did not brandish or attempt to use the weapons during the incident. According to county jail records, he is being held on suspicion of two counts of assault and disorderly conduct. The investigation is ongoing in coordination with local prosecutors and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to determine if Acton was targeted intentionally.
Local media outlets reported that Hovas is registered as a Republican voter. However, authorities have not yet released a motive or determined if the incident was politically motivated.
Campaign spokesperson Eddie Bullock released a statement:
"Dr. Acton and her husband, Eric, are deeply grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement, and are praying for the recovery of those injured. Violence of this nature has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up against the chaos, hate, and vitriol that seek to divide us."
Bipartisan Condemnation
Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who spoke with Acton following the incident, confirmed she was unharmed and doing well.
"Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is never acceptable," DeWine said.
Acton's Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, also condemned the incident. His campaign spokesperson stated:
"Candidates should be able to meet with voters without fear of threats or violence. What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in our politics."
Acton, a physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for the strict health restrictions she implemented in the state. She is set to face Ramaswamy, a businessman and former presidential candidate aligned with President Donald Trump, in the November election.
