Some downtown DC businesses are boarding up in case elections turn violent

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — For the third consecutive presidential election season, businesses in downtown D.C. are boarding up to prepare for the possibility of peaceful protests unraveling into civil unrest.

“It’s sad commentary that it’s come down the this that the loser of the election contests the process," said Maryland resident Bob Greenberg.

WJLA noticed crews boarding up two buildings near the White House Wednesday afternoon.

“Hopefully no riots. Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt or any damage. After what happened last time, I guess, you have to be prepared for anything so, like I said, better safe than sorry,"Stacy Snyder told WJLA.

This week, city leaders stated they won’t stand for political violence— be it on Election Day, Jan. 6, or Inauguration Day. So, it will be on hands on deck for law enforcement in the coming weeks.

The mayor's Office also said t city officials are engaging with downtown D.C. businesses.

Business leaders know — from the violence that erupted after the 2016 election, after George Floyd was murdered, and after the 2020 election — that there is a potential for rioting.

“It is completely ridiculous that we have to do this," said downtown employee Ebony Boger.

While Ebony Boger believes it’s a sad commentary on how polarized the nation is heading into Tuesday, she understands the reasoning behind protecting valuable property. She works less than a block away from the White House.

“I got an email from building management last week -- or maybe two weeks ago at this point now -- and they told us that this was going to happen,"Boger said.

Boger was in D.C. the last time violence erupted on Jan. 6, when a mob of people caused damage at the U.S. Capitol and parts of downtown.

“It’s very precautionary and I see why because I was here four years ago and it was crazy down here. It’s not shocking. I’m kind of used to it. I think they should do it," Boger said.

City officials told WJLA D.C. is open for business and fully prepared to handle whatever comes between now and Inauguration Day.

One thing people would notice if they were downtown is a massive law enforcement presence.

WJLA reached out to management at the buildings being boarded up and was told it was happening because of the election.