WASHINGTON – An armed assailant lunged at the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Amy Acton, on Sunday during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people, campaign officials said.
The suspect knocked volunteers to the ground and was arrested with “multiple weapons,” Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman Chris Anderson stated. Fortunately, Acton, who previously served as the state’s public health director, was not injured, though her campaign reported that multiple individuals sustained injuries.
“Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another,” said Addie Bullock, the communications director for Acton’s campaign. This statement underscores Acton’s commitment to her political ideals, particularly in the face of adversity.
The incident unfolded rapidly, with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local authorities responding promptly as the assailant attempted to push his way toward Acton while she was addressing the crowd, resulting in injuries to other attendees at the Mahoning County Democrat booth. Republican Governor Mike DeWine condemned the attack, emphasizing that “violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable.”
This disturbing incident adds to the growing concern regarding political violence in the United States. The Ohio gubernatorial race is particularly high-profile this year, with just six weeks remaining before the November election. Acton is competing against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who has leveraged his national recognition and connections within the tech industry, along with support from former President Donald Trump, to fundraise extensively for his campaign.
In a statement, Ramaswamy’s campaign described the incident as unacceptable, asserting that “candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern shared by many in the political arena regarding the safety of public figures and their supporters.
The police department at the fairground directed inquiries to the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, which did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Meanwhile, the Ohio State Highway Patrol also did not provide immediate information regarding the situation.
Ohio Republican Senator John Husted expressed his dismay on social media, stating that he and his wife were “disturbed by the attempted attack on Amy Acton today at the Canfield Fair.” He praised law enforcement for their quick response and reiterated that such behavior is intolerable.
The increase in political violence over the past decade has raised alarm, with notable incidents including the 2017 shooting at a Republican congressional baseball practice, the 2022 hammer assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, and assassination attempts against Donald Trump. According to a report by the Public Service Alliance, federal political committees spent over $40 million on security-related expenses during the 2023-24 campaign cycle, highlighting the escalating need for safety measures in politics.
Before her gubernatorial run, Amy Acton was appointed by Governor DeWine in 2019 to lead the Ohio Department of Health, where she gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during this crisis earned her several accolades, including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Profile in COVID Courage Award.
Acton’s prominent role in managing public health initiatives during the pandemic created both supporters and detractors, particularly among those opposed to pandemic-related restrictions. As the election approaches, her campaign continues to navigate a complex landscape marked by both political rivalry and public safety concerns.
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Associated Press writer Ryan J. Foley in Iowa City, Iowa, contributed to this report.
