North Egypt News

Illinois State Representative Dave Severin, who represents the 116th House District, expressed his concern following the shooting that occurred at a political rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on July 13. In a Facebook post on the same day, he stated, "we cannot and will not tolerate this in the United States of America."

"My prayers go out to President Trump and his family," said Severin, according to Facebook. "We cannot and will not tolerate this in the United States of America. As I learn more about this incident, I will provide further reaction. God save our country!"

According to mainstream media reports, Trump was the target of what is being called an assassination attempt at the 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. Crooks was shot by Secret Service snipers, according to ABC News.

Screenshot of Rep. Dave Severin's July 13 Facebook post | State Representative Dave Severin's Facebook page

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, according to an ABC News timeline of events.

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; however, after he pointed the rifle at the officer, that officer retreated. Crooks’ family is cooperating with authorities who found bomb-making materials in his vehicle and home.

Severin has been a member of the Illinois General Assembly since 2016, first representing the 117th District and currently serving in the 116th District. He and his wife live in Benton. According to his official biography, he owns All-Stars-n-Stitches in Benton and Graphics Galore in Marion.