'Non-scalable' fencing erected around White House in anticipation of election protests
Businesses, government buildings are boarded up in Washington and other cities
Federal authorities on Monday temporarily installed non-scalable fencing around the White House perimeter, fearing possible Election Day protests.
Additional fencing already has been erected around Lafayette Square, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, the location of protests over racial equality in June, reports ABC News.
Many businesses in downtown Washington have boarded up windows in anticipation of violence, like some in New York City. The government center in Minneapolis was boarded up for the same reason.
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In a press conference last week, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham discussed preparations in the city ahead of the election.
Newsham told reporters his office had not received any credible threats of violence but that the city had received several requests for demonstration permits.
"We welcome people to come to the District of Columbia to exercise their First Amendment right, but we won't tolerate violence or unrest," said Newsham.
Bowser announced the city would implement parking restrictions, with the possibility of road closures in the downtown area on Election Day.
Bowser also said that she had not requested help from the National Guard.
"We also know that some people would like to cause mayhem or trouble. We don't have any specific thing to report to you about that, but we will tell you that we are preparing to ensure the city's safety."
