Fencing erected at White House, Harris' residence ahead of Election Day
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Workers erect anti-scale fencing around the White House and Treasury Department on Nov. 3. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
Security fencing is going up around the White House, U.S. Capitol and Vice President Harris' residence in Washington, D.C. as authorities brace for possible unrest on or after Election Day.
Why it matters: The security precautions in the nation's capital are the latest indication that the government views the culmination of the election as a potential powder keg. Some businesses boarded up last week.
Driving the news: "The U.S. Secret Service is working closely with our federal, state and local partners in Washington, D.C. and Palm Beach County, Florida to ensure the heightened levels of safety and security this Election Day," the agency said in a statement to Axios Monday.
- Eight-foot-high metal fences are going up around the White House, the Naval Observatory grounds — where the vice president's residence is — and the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, where former President Trump will hold an election night party, the agency added.
- The Washington, D.C. Police Department on Sunday announced road closures, no parking zones and other security measures around Howard University this week, where Harris' watch party will take place.
- Fencing will also block the Treasury Department complex as well as adjacent parts of Lafayette Square, the Washington Post reported.
- At the Capitol, authorities have put up bicycle-rack barriers with signs reading "police line: Do not cross," per the Post.
What they're saying: "These enhancements are not in response to any specific issue but are part of wide-ranging public safety preparations for Tuesday's election," the Secret Service said.
In photos
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