Armed attacker wounds Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton and others

An armed assailant opened fire at a campaign rally for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton on Tuesday, September 6, 2026, injuring several attendees. The incident occurred in downtown Columbus as Acton, a former state health director, addressed a crowd of supporters. Police responded within minutes, securing the venue and evacuating the area while emergency medical crews treated the wounded. According to law‑enforcement officials, the shooter was apprehended without further resistance and is now in custody; no charges have been filed pending a full investigation.

Acton, who is running as a Democrat in the upcoming November election, was not seriously harmed, and she issued a brief statement later that day urging calm and emphasizing the importance of a peaceful democratic process. State officials have pledged a thorough review of security protocols at political events, and the Ohio Attorney General’s office confirmed that the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. The incident adds a heightened sense of urgency to election‑season security concerns as candidates continue to campaign across the state.