(The Center Square) – The man charged with attempting to attack Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton over the weekend pleaded not guilty late Tuesday afternoon in his first court appearance.
Patrick M. Havas, 38, released on $5,000 bond, according to Mahoning County Area Court officials. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Havas “forced his way through a crowd towards Acton,” at the Canfield State Fair, injuring several people.
Troopers also said he was carrying two guns, taser and brass knuckles.
“Havas knocked multiple fairgoers over while trying to get towards Dr. Acton and was found to be in possession of a taser and two pistols,” the patrol said. “Dr. Acton was unharmed during the incident.”
State troopers were providing “executive protection” to Acton at the fair, the patrol said.
Havas was booked on charges of disorderly conduct and two counts of assault.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine quickly condemned the attack Sunday.
“Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” the governor said. “This case is now in the hands of law enforcement and will be investigated thoroughly.”
Acton is Jewish, and her campaign did not immediately respond to questions on whether there was any indication that the attack was motivated by antisemitism.
Acton faces Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the November race for governor.
Ramaswamy’s campaign also condemned the attack.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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