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As millions of Americans prepare to decide the next president of the United States, extra security measures have been put in place around D.C. in anticipation of Election Day.
Fortifications go up around key facilities
Crews have been seen setting up black riot fencing around the U.S. Capitol building throughout the weekend, a sight that has become all too familiar in D.C.
In addition, the U.S. Secret Service told WTOP they are working with local and state partners “to ensure the heightened levels of safety and security this Election Day.”
The Naval Observatory on Massachusetts Avenue in Northwest D.C., where Vice President Kamala Harris lives, is also surrounded by additional black riot fencing, enclosing one of the nation’s master clocks, which keeps the accurate time of the East Coast.
That same fencing was put up around the White House, as well as the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida where former President Donald Trump will host his election night watch party.
Harris’ watch party will take place at her Alma Mater Howard University. D.C. police said the security surrounding the school will be increased and road closures will begin for a dozen streets at 7 p.m. Monday.
“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 to WTOP.
During security briefings for media last month, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said to expect “hardened” security around the Capitol Complex, including more law enforcement.
Police to use helicopter, drones in security plan
During a news conference Monday, D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith said the city’s Joint Operations Center will be activated Tuesday morning, and there will be increased patrols in key areas Downtown and near the White House.
“There will be no tolerance for violence in our city, no destruction or any unlawful behavior,” Smith said. “As I’ve said before, we will hold all offenders accountable. We will not tolerate the destruction of property and we will not tolerate threats to public safety, as well as this election process.”
The chief also said D.C. police will leverage its new helicopter, Falcon 1, and drones to monitor and protect critical areas during the election process.
“We made these investments to strengthen our air support assets this year for the very purpose of managing and protecting events that bring large crowds to our city,” Smith said.
Bowser said Monday the city will make a National Guard request for assistance sometime between now and Inauguration Day, though she didn’t share specifically when that request would be made.
She was also quick to note there are no credible threats of violence in D.C. ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. She that while she feels good about the city’s preparation, it’s a different story when it comes to the political landscape.
“I feel very sad, the state of things, to be honest with you,” Bowser said. “But the way that I deal with anxiety is to work and to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be and that people, all people, win or lose, do the right thing. And that is important.”
