Armed individual attacks Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton at Canfield Fair
A gun-wielding assailant lunged at Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton during a visit to the Canfield Fair, injuring several attendees; law enforcement responded quickly and the investigation is ongoing.
An armed person lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic nominee for Ohio governor, during her appearance at the annual Canfield Fair in Mahoning County on Sunday, injuring multiple people. Acton, a physician and former state health director, was not harmed and stayed at the event to assist an injured attendee, according to a photo shared with NBC News.
"Acton and her husband are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured," campaign spokesperson Addie Bullock said.
Local police have not released details about the suspect, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol has not responded to information requests. Mahoning County Democratic Party chair Christopher Anderson described the incident as reprehensible and thanked law-enforcement agencies for their rapid response.
"Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence," Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said, condemning the attack.
Governor Mike DeWine, whose administration Acton previously served, expressed relief that she was unharmed and called the violence unacceptable, noting that the case will be thoroughly investigated. Republican Sen. Jon Husted also said he and his wife were disturbed by the attempted attack and praised the quick police response.
The incident occurred while both Acton and her Republican opponent, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, were scheduled to visit the fair. Police investigations are ongoing.