ATLANTA — Law enforcement experts are calling for calm in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday. They say it is imperative for people to come together in the wake of the violence that happened this weekend.
There is a deep sense of sadness from the political and law enforcement leaders 11Alive spoke with on Sunday and disbelief that this could happen.
But amidst the sadness, there are also calls for unity and a strong desire for people to stand together against violence.
Former DeKalb County Public Safety Commissioner Dr. Cedric Alexander was one of these people. Alexander said at the end of the day, we are all Americans and should remember the similarities we share.
"We all are Americans, trying to make it, trying to take care of ourselves, our neighborhoods, our families... and this type of violence cannot be tolerated. And it should not be tolerated," Alexander said.
He has overseen he security of hundreds of public events and said he believes everyone should wait until the facts come out and more information is revealed. He said hopefully, the knowledge that law enforcement provides can help learn more in terms of advancing security protocols to ensure this type of violence does not happen again.
"For those of us in the public safety community who are still serving today, this is painful. Our job is to protect. And bring those who are outside of the law who act in this violent way to justice," Alexander stated.
He also said that law enforcement must be focused on protecting both candidates and political freedom for voters.
"We are American citizens. Everyone has the right to support who they want. We are a democracy that is unwavering. And we have to maintain that democracy. But we can't do that when this type of violence is imposed," he said.
Dr. Alexander is calling on everyone to come together in the wake of this attack and stand together against violence.
"As Americans, we have to continue to march forward; we have to do what makes us the greatest nation on this planet. And that is our democracy," he said.
Dr. Alexander said that law enforcement will be laser-focused on safety as we head into the heat of the political season -- The Republican National Convention starts Monday in Milwaukee, where several Georgia delegates and elected officials will meet. Dr. Alexander said we can all expect to see a huge increase in the police force in response to this attack.