Livingston Today

I normally try to keep my comments in this column limited to local issues and things happening at the Capitol in Lansing, but this week I want to talk about the attempted assassination of President Trump and the need to tone down the political rhetoric.

The incident highlighted significant security lapses. "This was obviously a major failure, and it keeps getting worse the more we learn what happened as details slowly trickle out," stated Bezotte, who served as sheriff for 12 years. Despite being a retired police officer, he noted that he cannot bring a weapon to events for obvious reasons, underscoring the expectation of tight security.

Concerns were raised when it became known that "the suspected shooter was identified as a potential threat well before President Trump started speaking." The individual was even seen on the roof prior to Trump's appearance on stage. However, the event proceeded despite these warnings.

Bezotte criticized the Secret Service's explanation regarding their failure to secure an elevated position within shooting distance due to its slope. He asserted, "The laughable claim by the director of the Secret Service that they didn’t secure the roof... because it is sloped does not make sense."

President Biden addressed Americans from the Oval Office on Sunday, urging them to reduce heated political rhetoric. Bezotte agreed with Biden's call but emphasized that it should begin with Biden himself. He referenced a statement made by Biden in Detroit just before the attempt on Trump's life: “I mean this from the bottom of my heart, Trump is a threat to this nation.”

Bezotte stressed that such demonization must cease for societal harmony. "We all have to live together in this country, and we cannot do that if we view political opponents as threats to democracy," he remarked.

While acknowledging public anger over recent events and noting that "a loving father was killed simply for attending a campaign speech," Bezotte expressed relief at Trump's safety. "Fortunately, by some miracle, Trump’s okay."

He concluded by advocating for unity under Trump's guidance: "Trump is okay. The situation is over. And he is calling for unity... If we do that, we may be able to move the country forward in a way that will last for generations."

Listen to Trump. Unite.