Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton ‘lunged At’ By Armed Person, Campaign Says

Ohio Democratic nominee for governor Dr. Amy Acton was “lunged at” Sunday by an “armed individual” while attending a fair in her home state, according to a campaign spokesperson.

“Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured. This kind of violence has no place in Ohio,” Addie Bullock, communications director for the Acton campaign, added in a statement.

The campaign did not provide additional details about the attack or the condition of the people who were injured.

The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for additional details about the attack.

Christopher Anderson, chair of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, said the suspect — who was discovered to have weapons — was arrested at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent “after knocking volunteers to the ground.”

“Let me be clear - The Mahoning County Democratic Party abbhors political violence in all forms,” Anderson continued in a post to social media. “What happened at our tent today during today's visit from Dr. Acton is reprehensible and should be condemned by leaders on all sides of the aisle.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin joined in denouncing the attack Sunday evening.

“I’m relieved Dr. Acton is safe and keeping those who were injured at the Canfield Fair in my prayers,” Martin posted to X. “Violence like this has no place in our politics.”

Acton, a physician and Democrat, rose to prominence after Republican Gov. Mike DeWine appointed her to lead Ohio’s Health Department. She became the public face of the state’s early Covid-19 response, drawing praise for her briefings but backlash over school closures and stay-at-home orders before resigning in June 2020.

Acton will face GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy in the November contest to replace DeWine.