Wed Nov 06 04:40:00 UTC 2024: ## D.C. Businesses Board Up Ahead of Election Day Amid Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON – As Election Day 2024 approaches, businesses in Washington D.C. are taking proactive measures to protect themselves from potential unrest, mirroring similar scenes seen in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot. Many businesses, particularly those located near the White House, have boarded up their windows and doors with plywood, creating a stark visual of heightened security concerns.

Marcus Donovan, manager of Pow Pow restaurant in Northeast D.C., said the decision to board up was made out of caution and a sense of responsibility. “It’s like a fortress,” he said, expressing his frustration with the city’s perceived lack of preparedness.

David Lauder, a D.C. resident of almost 30 years, described the boarded-up windows as “saddening” and a reflection of a city that feels increasingly insecure during elections. “It diminishes our beautiful city,” he added.

However, not all residents share the same sentiment. Phillip White, another D.C. resident, believes the extensive boarding up is unnecessary and an inconvenience.

Business owners plan to keep the protective boards in place for at least the next week, with plans to remove them before re-installing them in early January.

The city’s heightened security measures reflect a national trend of heightened political tensions and anxieties surrounding the 2024 election. With the race for the White House intensifying, the city is taking steps to ensure safety and security for its residents and businesses.

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