Rings Of New Security Fencing Put Up Around White House, U.S. Capitol, Treasury Dept Complex

Rings of new security fencing envelope the White House, US Capitol

Washington Post

Rings of new security fencing envelope the White House, US Capitol and Vice-President Kamala Harris’ residence as uthorities brace for potential unrest in Washington following this week’s presidential election.

For weeks, District (of Columbia) officials have sent messages of reassurance to residents and businesses still scarred by damage incurred during some 2020 racial justice and post-election protests. Authorities know of no credible threats, Washington’s police chief said at a news conference, adding there is “no need for any alarm”.

Still, signs of caution proliferated over the weekend, as the Secret Service erected new, 2.5-metre metal fences around the White House and Treasury Department complex, and adjacent parts of Lafayette Square, as well as outside the Naval Observatory grounds and Harris’ residence. The Capitol reintroduced temporary bicycle-rack barriers posted with signs stating, “Police Line: Do not cross,” surrounding its perimeter. The agency also is installing physical security measures outside the West Palm Beach, Florida, convention centre where Donald Trump will hold his election-night party, not far from his residence at Mar-a-Lago.

“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 said in a statement today. “These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for [Wednesday’s] election.”

As authorities worked to fortify public assets, some business and property owners braced for the worst, surging private security, shoring up street-level windows and entrances, and finalising contingency plans in anticipation of possible looting or rioting. Owners of commercial buildings near the White House boarded up or added fencing outside street-level businesses and shops, with business association leaders saying they would rather overprepare than sustain damage in the event of street violence.

District Government leaders and agencies have spent many months planning for the post-election period, determined along with residents and businesses not to be caught off-guard, as they were four years ago, and to ensure a safe and secure environment for visitors, tourists and students through the winter.