Fencing Erected at WH, Capitol Ahead of Election

In anticipation of potential unrest following Tuesday’s presidential election, federal and local authorities are bolstering security measures in Washington, D.C. This includes the installation of fencing around key locations such as the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence, and the U.S. Capitol.

Additionally, 8-foot barriers have been erected around the Treasury Department, parts of Lafayette Square, and the Naval Observatory. These steps, implemented by the U.S. Secret Service, are described as “part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday’s election,” according to a statement from the agency released on Sunday.

The Secret Service is extending similar measures to the convention center in Palm Beach, Florida, where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to hold his election-night event, as reported by The Washington Post.

D.C. police have announced road closures starting Monday night in the vicinity of Howard University, where Harris will be hosting her election-night gathering on Tuesday.

“The Secret Service is working closely with federal, state, and local partners in Washington, DC, and Palm Beach County, Florida to ensure heightened levels of Election Day safety and security,” the agency’s statement noted. “These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday’s election.”

Business owners in D.C. are also taking precautionary measures, mindful of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which followed the 2020 election. Many have boarded up their establishments or added security fencing to prevent potential looting.

“There is concern around the city. We’re not expecting full-fledged pandemonium like we saw after Jan. 6 or four years ago,” said Eric J. Jones, vice president of government affairs for the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington. He also referenced the riots following George Floyd’s death in May 2020, adding, “Honestly, it’s just fear.”

Jones remarked, “People would rather be overprepared and have nothing happen, as opposed to the alternative.”

The report indicates that all 3,300 D.C. police officers will be on duty in 12-hour shifts.

Additionally, a private security firm is deploying approximately 2,000 guards to protect client businesses near the White House and Capitol, as noted by The Washington Post.

{Matzav.com}