An armed man has been arrested after allegedly charging towards Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, Amy Acton, during a campaign appearance at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown.

Acton was unharmed in the incident, but several people were injured as the suspect forced his way through a crowd towards the candidate, authorities and her campaign said.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Patrick Havas of Canfield, Ohio, was arrested by members of Acton’s security detail and subsequently booked into the Mahoning County Jail.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Havas was carrying two pistols and a Taser. The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office also said two handguns and brass knuckles were recovered following his arrest. Authorities said none of the weapons was drawn during the incident.

Witnesses and officials said Havas pushed through the crowd while Acton was speaking at the Mahoning County Democratic Party tent at the fair. Two older people were knocked to the ground during the confrontation, while other volunteers and attendees were also reportedly injured.

Havas was charged with two counts of assault and disorderly conduct. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and it was not immediately clear whether he had obtained legal representation.

Acton, a former director of the Ohio Department of Health, is the Democratic nominee in the November gubernatorial election. She is challenging Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in one of the most closely watched political races in the United States.

Following the incident, Acton’s campaign condemned the violence and thanked law enforcement officers for their quick response.

“Violence has no place in Ohio,” her campaign spokesperson said, adding that Acton remained unharmed and was concerned about those who were injured.

Ramaswamy’s campaign also condemned the incident, saying political candidates should be able to meet voters without fear of threats or violence. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine similarly described violence or threats at political events as unacceptable.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States, particularly as candidates campaign ahead of the November elections.

Authorities have not announced a motive for the alleged attack. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation. (Reuters)