An incident involving Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton occurred at the Canfield Fair, where an armed individual lunged at her. This sudden burst of violence resulted in multiple injuries, according to Acton’s campaign.
“While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed person lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people,” said Addie Bullock, communications director for Acton’s campaign, in a statement. “Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured.” She further expressed, “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to chaos and hate that divides us.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine confirmed that Acton was unharmed. He and First Lady Fran DeWine spoke with Acton following the incident. “Fran and I are thankful Dr. Amy Acton was not hurt, and we send our thoughts to those who were injured,” DeWine stated. “She shared that she is okay.”
Describing the incident further, DeWine said a man “attempted to push towards Dr. Acton” during her address at the Mahoning County Democratic booth, causing injuries to others around. He praised the quick response by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement at the fair. “Violence or the threat at public events is unacceptable,” DeWine declared, adding that law enforcement would investigate thoroughly.
The man’s identity remains undisclosed, with no confirmed details on his arrest. Acton’s campaign described him as armed, but no weapon was mentioned by DeWine. Details on the injured individuals’ conditions are currently unclear, as well as the reason behind the confrontation.
This event occurred amid growing warnings about threats to public figures as the campaign season intensifies. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin noted the ongoing threats to candidates. “You’re never safe in the public eye,” Mullin said in an interview with Fox News. “We need to lower the temperature of political rhetoric.” Mullin stressed that while different opinions are fundamental, responding with violence crosses a line.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Acton’s opponent in the governor race, also condemned the incident. “Candidates should meet voters without fearing threats or violence,” said Ramaswamy’s campaign director Connie Luck. “What happened is unacceptable in politics.”
Acton, known for her role as Ohio’s Health Director during the COVID-19 pandemic, gained prominence and now faces Ramaswamy in the upcoming election. Her pandemic response is a central campaign topic, with defense from her camp and criticism by Ramaswamy and other Republicans regarding understood necessary restrictions.