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.

But first, a few quick thoughts related to security. This was obviously a major failure, and it keeps getting worse the more we learn what happened as details slowly trickle out.

I served as sheriff for 12 years. I’ve been to two Trump events, but even as a retired police officer, I cannot bring a weapon with me, for obvious reasons. Security is supposed to be tight. But we now know that the suspected shooter was identified as a potential threat well before President Trump started speaking. He was even spotted on the roof before Trump took the stage, yet someone still let Trump go on.

The laughable claim by the director of the Secret Service that they didn’t secure the roof – an elevated position within easy shooting distance – because it is sloped does not make sense. The Secret Service owes the public much better answers about what happened. Someone needs to be held accountable.

On Sunday, President Biden asked Americans to tone down the heated political rhetoric during a brief address from the Oval Office.

I agree with that – I think the rhetoric has to stop. But that starts with the president. Last Friday in Detroit, just one day before the attempted assassination, President Biden said, “I mean this from the bottom of my heart, Trump is a threat to this nation.”

That kind of demonization has to stop. We all have to live together in this country, and we cannot do that if we view political opponents as threats to democracy.

I know a lot of people are angry about what happened, especially because a loving father was killed simply for attending a campaign speech. But fortunately, by some miracle, Trump’s okay.

Trump is okay. The situation is over. And he is calling for unity. I think we should follow his lead. 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.