Muslim Americans raise concerns over Trump's election

DETROIT (WJBK) - On Wednesday, just hours after Donald Trump won the Presidential election, millions of Americans woke up stunned by the election results. Now, for a population in Metro Detroit, they say it's not just shock - it's fear.

President-elect Trump told the world early Wednesday morning that it's time for the country to be united.

But after such a divisive campaign, how does the nation begin to heal?

"It is going to take time because we don't know what's next," says Dr. Carol Van Dyke. "A lot of people are anxious; a lot of people are on edge and because of that they are uncertain where he is going to take our country."

Many people are on edge, especially after frightening rhetoric from Trump. During the campaign, Trump called for a 'complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States'. Trump said the shutdown should remain in place until the country could figure out "what was going on."

Comments like that made some feel that he encouraged hate and division toward Americans. Fatima Salman says a man recently pointed his fingers in the shape of a gun at her and pretended to shoot.

"I, actually a few weeks ago, got stalked driving out of my neighborhood. A guy was driving behind me and (pointing his fingers like a gun) and screaming at me. I had my son in school called a terrorist," Fatima Salman said.

Tess Washburn says her Muslim friends are frightened.

"They just feel so unsafe now and not welcomed, and wanting to move and get out and that's just not okay," Washburn said.

Dr. Van Dyke says some people might be taking Trump's rhetoric too far.

"Words are powerful and people are afraid - people are putting words with actions," Dr. Van Dyke says. "They're following that, they're championing the opportunity (and think) hey - here's a person high in status and power and is able to say whatever he wants to say and obviously it's okay because he got elected. But it's not okay."

Dr. Van Dyke is hopeful the dialogue moving forward is more Presidential and inclusive. She says the healing starts in our communities with one another.

"We just have to realize that we are all in this together, and we have to start treating people - each other - with love and respect."