Here’s How DC Businesses Are Preparing For The Election, Wild

Daphne Moon 2 2 min read

Businesses in Washington, D.C. are taking precautionary measures ahead of the upcoming presidential election, with some choosing to barricade their doors and windows in anticipation of potential unrest.

Sheets of plywood have been seen covering the storefronts of several businesses near the White House, including popular chains like McDonald’s, Panera Bread, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. These businesses are preparing for the possibility of chaos following Tuesday’s election between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

An employee at Panera Bread explained the reasoning behind the decision, saying, “We’re just getting ready for some stuff that could happen. We think there could be a little bit of chaos happening, especially in this area. It happened four years ago — a lot of people breaking our doors in.”

But not all businesses are concerned about potential unrest. A bartender at The Bottom Line, which was not boarded up, told the Daily Caller that there are “no safety concerns” and that the barricades are simply a precaution. “We’ve been here for 45 years, so we’ve survived a lot worse,” the bartender added. Another bartender at The Xchange, also not barricaded, expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “Something’s gonna happen … if Trump doesn’t win, a bunch of s—t is going to go down. If Trump does win, there’s going to be a bunch of s—t going down.” They joked that they plan to watch from the safety of the roof while enjoying a drink.

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith has warned against any potential violence, stating in a press briefing on October 29th, “We will not tolerate any violence of any kind. We will not tolerate any riots. We will not tolerate the destruction of property. We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior. Offenders will be arrested and will be held accountable.”

The Caller reached out to media officials at several of the businesses with boarded-up windows for comment but did not receive a response.

As businesses prepare for possible unrest, it is important to remember that President Trump has consistently called for peaceful demonstrations and has condemned any acts of violence. Throughout his presidency, he has shown strong support for law enforcement and maintaining law and order. The Trump administration has also taken steps to protect businesses, such as passing legislation to provide relief for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the country prepares for Election Day, we must all remember to exercise our right to vote, but also to do so peacefully and respectfully. That is the only way to ensure a fair and democratic election, and it is what President Trump continues to urge his supporters and all Americans to do. Let us come together and show the world that the United States is a strong and united nation, no matter the outcome of this election.

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