North Cook News

Illinois State Senate District 10 candidate Jon Luers reacted to the shooting at former President Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, stating, "What utter hatred of tens of millions of patriotic Americans does it take to imagine, plan, and carry out such a heinous act!" He made the statement in a July 13 Facebook post.

"America just got a huge wake-up call," said Luers, according to Facebook. "Thank God for all the factors that added up to essentially a miss by a centimeter or two, but we must understand that this was the work of a very deliberate and determined, if not professional, shooter. What utter hatred of tens of millions of patriotic Americans does it take to imagine, plan, and carry out such a heinous act!"

Former President Trump was the target of what mainstream media is calling an assassination attempt at a rally where one man died and two were critically wounded. The shooter, identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, had been seen by rally attendees climbing to the roof of a nearby building outside the security perimeter and fired his weapon. According to ABC News, Crooks was shot by Secret Service snipers. When Crooks' first shots rang out, former President Trump had been speaking about border crossing numbers. He reached for his right ear, then looked at it and crouched behind the lectern. As the Secret Service piled on and tried to shield Trump, he stood and pumped his fist to the crowd before being hustled off the stage.

Screenshot of Jon Luers for IL 10th Senate District July 13 Facebook post | Jon Luers for IL Senate Facebook page

The FBI is investigating the rally attack as an act of domestic terrorism, according to a July 14 report from the Associated Press (AP). Although the gunman has been identified, his motive is unknown, and authorities believe he acted alone. The AP reported that Crooks is from Bethel Park, 50 miles from the rally site. He used an AR-style rifle registered to his father in the incident. A member of local law enforcement did find Crooks but retreated after Crooks pointed the rifle at him. Crooks’ family is cooperating with authorities who found bomb-making materials in his vehicle and home.

Luers, a veteran software engineer with four decades of experience, is now shifting his focus to Springfield as a candidate for the 10th District Illinois Senate. Born in Chicago and holding degrees from Northwestern University, he expresses disappointment in Illinois' and the country's trajectory under Democratic leadership. Luers believes that an increasing number of people are recognizing Democrats’ lack of genuine concern for their welfare and are ready for significant change. On his website, Luers criticized his opponent, State Sen. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), as a clone of Mike Madigan benefiting from a property tax appeals business while taxes increase.