Federal and local authorities in Washington, D.C., installed security fences around two locations on Sunday, preparing for potential protests and riots following the November 5 election.
Fences were erected around the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence at the Naval Observatory, Fox News reported. Washington, D.C., Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser said the enhanced security measures would continue through Inauguration Day in January. A statement from the Secret Service explained that the security fences “are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday’s election.”
Last week, stores and restaurants in the nation’s capital boarded up windows in preparation for potential threats following the election results. NewsNation reported that D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said the city is deploying 3,300 officers across the district. The officers will work 12-hour shifts and closely watch business districts and polling places.
“We will not tolerate any violence of any kind,” Smith said. “We will not tolerate the destruction of property. We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior. Offenders will be arrested and will be held accountable.”
In Florida, fencing is also going up around the Palm Beach County Convention Center, which is hosting former President Donald Trump’s election night watch party. West Palm Beach authorities also said there would be a designated area for protesters outside the convention center, but they are “expecting a smooth evening,” according to Mayor Keith James, WPBF ABC 25 reported. Trump is expected to appear at the watch party late Tuesday night.
“We expect hundreds, if not thousands, of media members and visitors to descend on the city because of election night,” said James. “I want the public to know that our West Palm Beach Police Department is ready, able and willing to perform the mission. Our goal is to keep everyone safe. Our team is well trained, prepared and ready.”
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Similar to D.C., authorities in West Palm Beach said there is no specific threat to Trump’s watch party. James added, “I just want to let everyone know that if you are thinking about or planning on coming to our great city to cause problems, don’t do it. It won’t end well for you.”
Immediately Following Trump’s 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton, protests and riots broke out across the country, including in D.C., and after Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in 2020, hundreds of people stormed the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021. Portland, Oregon, which was hit by riots after Trump’s 2016 win, is also taking precautions this year with businesses boarding up windows ahead of Election Day.
