ATLANTA — Following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, leaders across the nation are calling for unity.
Trump was injured Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when he said a bullet pierced the upper right part of his ear, "ripping through the skin." One attendee was killed, while two others were hurt. The suspected gunman, authorities said, was also killed.
President Joe Biden said in an address from the Oval Office Sunday night that “we must never descend into violence.”
“All of us now face a time of testing as the election approaches," Biden said. “There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exception. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized."
As calls continue for Americans to unite, 11Alive went to the Atlanta BeltLine Monday to ask people to give their perspective on what that looks like to them.
These were their answers.
What does unity look like to you?
For one person, unity meant involving the community.
"Coming together as a community and putting more effort into -- being a unit. I think a lot of the problem these days are our politicians and the people that are in power are not working for us," the person said. "They’re working for their own agenda and power. And it’s visible l across the world. And I think we need to remember there’s a lot of power within the people, and I think that a lot of good still remains within that."
To another, it meant working together for the greater good. And for one man, it involves diversity.
"It looks like this right here," he said. "It looks like people, different ideas of themselves. Maybe different religions, different body types, different skin tones, different political standards or expectations, but just co-existing."
Another person had a similar sentiment.
"Unity to me is the ability to accept others as they are and the ability to spread love. Especially right now because we’re living in such a difficult time. There’s a lot of turmoil. And unity is just being able to embrace others, no matter who they are."
For others, it meant collaboration.
"People working together for the benefit of not even just society, but for each other," another person said.
Do you think unity is possible in this country?
Many said they did believe the country could unite.
"I definitely do because it’s a great country. We have so many beautiful resources whether they’re cultural or environmental. The good outweighs the bad. Maybe we’re a little less boisterous sometimes, but I really do truly believe we’re a united country. Whether or not some people try to divide us very divisively, we got this," one person said.
"I think unity is possible in this planet, I just think it takes a certain type of leadership and a certain type of faith in humanity," one man said.
While some said unity is attainable, they believe it would just take a lot of work. Others said they think unity starts with leaders.
"I think it starts at the very top. I feel like there’s a lot of divisiveness right now. Between everybody we should just make more of an effort to just be more united with one another and spread some love."
What do you say to people who have lost hope in unity?
Love also seemed to be a theme around unity, along with encouraging others who want to give up.
"I would just encourage people to look into themselves and not let external forces to ruin that love inside yourself," one person explained.
"Don’t give up. We always hear this, 'don’t give up. It’s going to get better.' And it does. It just takes time and it takes a communal effort," another said.