Armed Person ‘Lunged’ at Ohio Democratic Governor Nominee at Ohio Fair, Campaign Says

Two people were injured at a fair in Ohio after Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton was attacked, her campaign said in a statement.

“While attending the Canfield Fair, an armed individual lunged at Dr. Acton, injuring multiple people,” Addie Bullock, the campaign’s communications director, wrote in a statement posted to Acton’s website.

“Dr. Acton and Eric are grateful for the swift and decisive action of law enforcement and are praying for the recovery of those injured,” Bullock said. “This kind of violence has no place in Ohio. Dr. Acton will always stand up to the chaos, hate and vitriol that pits us against one another.”

According to local Democrats, Acton was in the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s tent when the incident occurred. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene told local 21 News that two older volunteers for the Democratic Party were knocked to the ground by the assailant.

Christopher Anderson, chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, described what he witnessed in a post on Facebook.

“Moments ago during a visit from Dr. Amy Acton, an individual was arrested at the [Mahoning County Democratic Party] tent who was discovered to have weapons, after knocking volunteers to the ground,” Anderson wrote.

“Let me be clear—The Mahoning County Democratic Party abhors political violence in all forms. 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.”

Local police have not provided additional information on the suspect, and the Canfield Police Department didn’t immediately return The Epoch Times’ request for such information.

Ohio’s race for governor this year between Acton and Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy is considered one of the most contested in the nation.

Ramaswamy’s campaign issued a strong statement against any form of political violence.

“Candidates should be able to meet with voters without having to worry about threats or violence,” Communications Director for Vivek for Ohio Connie Luck said. “What happened today is completely unacceptable and has no place in politics, and we hope that no one was hurt.”

Though Ohio has veered toward Republicans in recent years, Acton has maintained an edge in polling across the election cycle.

In 10 of the most recent polls conducted of the race, Acton has led in six and tied with Ramaswamy in another, while Ramaswamy has led in three polls over the same period.

This story will be updated with additional information.