DC Security Increased for Election Day – NBC4 Washington

Ahead of Election Day, DC is preparing for what could be a turbulent time.

On Sunday evening, the fences outside the White House in Lafayette Square were reinforced, and a similar scene occurred outside the vice president's residence, the Naval Observatory.

Some downtown businesses boarded up their windows ahead of the election, and security measures are in place at Howard University, where Vice President Kamala Harris will hold her election watch party.

Security arrangements across the district are already tight for the elections. Police patrols will increase around Howard University's campus, where preparations are underway for Vice President Kamala Harris' election night party. News4's Jessica Albert reports.

Some people said it was hard not to feel tightness.

“Seeing makeshift fences being erected around the White House and other nearby government buildings feels a little dystopian,” said Grant Hawkins, who is visiting the district. “That’s definitely true – temperatures in our country have risen today and it’s going to be an interesting week.”

Another visitor said: “I feel a bit uncomfortable in general. I think everyone is a little nervous, no matter where you stand politically. I think people are just taking a wait-and-see approach.”

The U.S. Secret Service told News4 that fencing and other security measures are continuing to be installed around the White House, the Naval Observatory and the Palm Beach Convention Center, where former President Donald Trump's election night party will be held.

“These improvements are not a response to any specific problem, but rather part of broader public safety preparations for Tuesday’s election,” the agency said.

The police chief said officers will pay special attention to ballot boxes and polling stations. News4's Juliana Valencia reports.

D.C. police say there are no known credible threats at this time, but they are preparing for any challenges that may arise during election week.

“I want to be very clear: We will not tolerate violence of any kind,” said Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. “We will not tolerate riots. We will not tolerate destruction of property. “We will not tolerate any illegal actions.” Perpetrators will be arrested and held accountable.”

Officers will work 12-hour shifts this week, and “maybe a little longer depending on what happens, to ensure we have enough officers on the streets and in every corner of our city,” Smith said.

They will pay special attention to ballot boxes and polling places, she said.

“We are aware of incidents across the country involving ballot box tampering and we will not tolerate any intimidation or disruption of this electoral process,” Smith said.

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MPD has recruited nearly 4,000 police officers from across the country to be sworn in to help provide security on Inauguration Day.

One thing law enforcement says is crucial: If you see something suspicious, say something and report it to them.