Very quietly, D.C. police have mobilized and authorities are erecting fencing in key locations in the lead up to the election.
On Sunday, another layer of fencing and barriers around the White House and the Vice President’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory, adding to the already enhanced security in the nation’s capital before the election.
The Secret Service added the eight-foot metal fences in both D.C. and parts of West Palm Beach, Florida—the site of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, The Washington Post reported. “
These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday’s election,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
Still, some businesses haven’t forgotten the mayhem on Jan. 6th.
Some have hired private security, and owners of commercial buildings near the White House boarded up or added their own fencing in anticipation of possible looting or rioting.
Business association leaders said they would rather overprepare than sustain damage in the event of street violence, although District officials have said there is no need to cover windows.
The National Parks Service already closed portions of Lafayette Park and the White House sidewalks in October in preparation for the inauguration…and will stay in place through February 2025.
Meanwhile, the D.C. Metropolitan Police also announced significant road closures and parking restrictions in the city for Vice President Kamala Harris’ watch party at her alma mater, Howard University.
