Democratic Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton attacked at campaign event

An armed man tried to force his way to Democratic Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton during a campaign appearance at the Canfield Fair, injuring several people while leaving the politician unharmed.

The suspect pushed campaign aides to the ground before police arrested him, Chris Anderson, chairman of the Democratic Party in Mahoning County, said. Authorities said he had “several weapons” when he was detained. The attack happened as Acton stood at the Democrats' booth at the fair.

Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol intervened quickly, according to Republican Governor Mike DeWine. “Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable,” DeWine said.

“

Violence or the threat of violence at political or public events is always unacceptable.

Acton's Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, also condemned the incident. His campaign said candidates must be able to meet voters “without having to worry about threats or violence.”

The attack comes amid what the article describes as an increase in political violence in the United States. It cites attacks targeting Donald Trump, the husband of former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortmann, who was killed with her husband in a shooting in June 2025.

Acton previously served as Ohio's health director. DeWine appointed her in 2019, and she became known statewide during the coronavirus pandemic. Ohio's gubernatorial election will take place alongside the congressional midterm elections on Nov. 3. DeWine is not running again, and the state is considered Republican-leaning, although the governor's race remains open.

“

without having to worry about threats or violence