In response to possible demonstrations over the presidential election results, U.S. media are reporting that federal authorities have erected a fence around the White House.
CNN reports that the entire White House will be surrounded by fencing, including the Ellipse and Lafayette Park, the same type of fencing that was used during the African-American affirmative action movement this summer. The White House has been closed to the public for much of the year, and Lafayette Park, a popular spot for protesters to gather, was cordoned off in July after local police dispersed demonstrators.
D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said he warned the city last month that there would likely be “some kind of turmoil” after the election, and many stores in downtown Washington, D.C., near the White House, have boarded up their doors and windows to avoid being looted and vandalized during the demonstrations.
Patrick Burke, executive director of the D.C. Police Foundation, told CNN earlier that D.C. police prepare for each election a year in advance to avoid post-election unrest and work with intelligence officials to ensure Washington’s security. He said, “If there is no clear winner after the election, there will be all levels and large numbers of police presence at that time. Police officers will have their furloughs cancelled, extended duty hours and a full deployment of police throughout the city,” he said.
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