Some businesses in Washington, D.C., have begun boarding up their doors and windows in anticipation of post-Election Day chaos.
On Monday, plywood was seen covering the windows of several businesses near the White House, including McDonald’s, Panera Bread, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Fearing civil unrest following Tuesday’s presidential election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, these companies are taking precautions.
A look at downtown DC 36 hours after the first election results are known. pic.twitter.com/1JsF18I9wx
— Gregory Butcher (@GregButcher_) November 4, 2024
“We’re preparing for some things that could happen,” a Panera Bread employee told the Daily Caller. “We think there could be a little bit of disruption, especially in this area. That happened four years ago. — A lot of people are breaking open our doors. ”
I’m in Washington DC for Election Day.
They keep businesses shut down.
We ate here yesterday morning and it’s boarded up today.
what happened? pic.twitter.com/YVC3emKLek
— iVoteAmerica® (@iVoteAmerica) November 4, 2024
Other companies are less concerned — Even if it’s not casual — Amidst whispers of post-election chaos.
“The consensus among us is that [that there are] There are no safety concerns,” a bartender at The Bottom Line, which is not barricaded, told the caller. “It’s a precautionary measure. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best… [Bottom Line] In the 45 years we’ve been here, we’ve lived in much worse conditions. ”
“Something is going to happen…If Trump doesn’t win, a lot of people—t goes down. If Trump wins, a lot of people are going to go down,” a bartender at The Exchange, who was also not barricaded, told the Caller. “I’m going to sit on the roof and drink.”
Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith emphasized the need to maintain law and order at police stations on Tuesday. press conference October 29th.
“I want to be clear,” she said. “We do not tolerate violence of any kind. We do not tolerate riots of any kind. We do not tolerate destruction of property. We do not tolerate any illegal activity. Criminals will be arrested and , will be held accountable.” (Related: States ravaged by BLM riots mobilize National Guard over possible election instability)
Kohler reached out to media representatives from McDonald’s, Panera Bread, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
