Gunman attacks Democratic Gov. Amy Acton during campaign appearance

An armed man attacked Democratic candidate for governor of the US state of Ohio, Amy Acton, during a campaign appearance on Sunday (local time). Several people were injured, her campaign officials said. Acton himself remained unhurt.

The suspect pushed helpers to the ground and was arrested, said Chris Anderson, chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party. The attacker was in possession of “several weapons” when he was arrested. Authorities say the man tried to force his way toward Acton while she was speaking at the Democratic booth at the Canfield Fair.

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

More political violence

Acton's Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy also condemned the incident. Candidates must be able to meet voters "without having to worry about threats or violence," explained his campaign team.

The incident comes amid an increase in political violence in the United States. In recent years there have been, among other things, attacks on Donald Trump and an attack on the husband of the then Democratic House of Representatives leader Nancy Pelosi. In Minnesota, Democratic Representative Melissa Hortmann and her husband were killed by gunfire in June 2025.

Acton served as Ohio's health director before running for office. She was appointed to the office by DeWine in 2019 and rose to national prominence during the coronavirus pandemic.

The election for governor in Ohio will take place parallel to the midterm elections for the US Congress on November 3rd. Incumbent Mike DeWine is not running for re-election.

Acton was Ohio's health director before running for office. She was appointed to the office by DeWine in 2019 and rose to national prominence during the coronavirus pandemic.

The election for governor in Ohio will take place parallel to the midterm elections for the US Congress on November 3rd. Incumbent Mike DeWine is not running for re-election.