The US election day is approaching, and Washington D.C. is on high alert, preparing for potential unrest. The White House, Capitol Hill, and the Vice President’s residence have all erected new security barriers.
For weeks, D.C. officials have been trying to reassure local residents and businesses. The chief of the Washington Police Department stated at a press conference that they have not identified any potential threats and added that “there is no need to issue any alerts.”
However, starting this weekend, Washington D.C. is on high alert. According to The Washington Post, the Secret Service has erected 8-foot high anti-climbing metal fences around the White House and Treasury buildings, near Lafayette Square, as well as outside the U.S. Naval Observatory and the Vice President’s residence.
The statue of the 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square has also been enclosed within the security perimeter, as it has been damaged in past protest activities.
While not as heavily guarded, temporary bicycle-rack barriers have been set up at the Capitol building with signs that read “Caution Line: Do Not Cross.”
Freelance photographer Andrew Leyden shared photos and videos of these preparations on his X and YouTube accounts.
The U.S. Secret Service has also increased security protection for former President Trump and Vice President Harris.
According to The Washington Post, the Secret Service plans to enhance security measures outside the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida. Trump is expected to hold an event at that location on election night.
Harris will spend election night at her alma mater, Howard University. The D.C. Police Department announced on Sunday that traffic control measures will be implemented in the surrounding areas. They declared that streets will be closed starting at 7 p.m.
While officials have stated that there are currently no credible threats, local businesses have still installed fences or plywood at windows and entrances, increased security personnel, and finalized emergency plans to prevent potential looting or unrest.
Business association representatives have stated that they would rather be prepared and not need it than suffer losses in street violence incidents.