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As federal and local authorities prepare for potential unrest following Tuesday’s presidential election, security measures are being heightened in Washington, D.C. Fencing has been erected around key locations, including the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence, and the U.S. Capitol.
The U.S. Secret Service has extended these precautions to the Treasury Department complex, parts of Lafayette Square, and the Naval Observatory. In a statement released Sunday, the agency explained that these measures are part of comprehensive public safety preparations for the election.
Similar security arrangements are being implemented at the convention center in Palm Beach, Florida, where Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is scheduled to host his election-night event, according to The Washington Post.
In anticipation of Vice President Harris’ election-night party at Howard University, D.C. police have announced road closures beginning Monday night in the surrounding area.
The Secret Service emphasized that these enhanced security measures are not in response to any specific threat but rather part of a broader effort to ensure safety on Election Day.
There it is. Washington DC is, quote, “bracing for large scale riots and civil unrest” for both Election Day and Inauguration Day.
“We will not tolerate any riots or violence of any kind. Offenders will be arrested and held accountable.” pic.twitter.com/8rNR7fu96n
— Frank Fighting For Freedom 🇺🇸 (@thinktankfranks) November 2, 2024
The events of January 6, 2021, at the Capitol following the 2020 election have prompted business and property owners in D.C. to take their own precautions. Many shops have boarded up their storefronts or installed security fencing to guard against potential property damage.
Eric J. Jones, vice president of government affairs for the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, told the Post, “There is concern around the city. We’re not expecting full-fledged pandemonium like we saw after Jan. 6 or four years ago. Honestly, it’s just fear.” He added that people prefer to be overprepared rather than caught off guard.
The District is mobilizing all 3,300 police officers for 12-hour shifts, and a private security firm is deploying approximately 2,000 guards to protect client businesses near the White House and Capitol.
Washington D.C. braces for civil unrest by erecting riot fences and boarding up business prior to Election Day pic.twitter.com/SlFCuLlYSp
— D. Scott @eclipsethis2003 (@eclipsethis2003) November 4, 2024
These extensive preparations reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming election and the desire to prevent any potential unrest or violence in the nation’s capital.
