Business and office building lobby entrances, especially those around the White House, are being boarded up in downtown Washington, D.C. The move comes as local establishments fret over the potential for civil unrest across the city in the closing days of the 2024 election.
While Democratic Party presidential candidates have typically won Washington, D.C., with over 90 percent of the vote, the city has faced unrest following presidential elections—especially in 2016 when Donald J. Trump bested Hillary Clinton. Left-wing rioters destroyed private and public property, even burning a limousine that was the single source of income for a driver-for-hire.
Work crews have begun covering up the windows of buildings and stores near the White House as the election comes down to the final week. pic.twitter.com/d29CAEq0QS
— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) October 31, 2024
The move to board up businesses in the nation’s capital could signal a belief among residents and city officials that voters are likely to return President Donald J. Trump to the White House after four years of Democratic control under President Joe Biden. Last week, The National Pulse reported that city residents have or are planning to flee the city ahead of Election Day.
“January 6th was a very scary time. I used to live right off of North Capitol Street, so I could see the Capitol. There were Proud Boys petting my dog that day. I don’t want to be a part of it,” one woman said regarding her plans. At least one city councilwoman says she’s received numerous questions from businesses in her ward about boarding up.
