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WASHINGTON, DC High picket fences have been erected around the White House, and stores are barricading their storefronts, fearing possible post-election violence and riots.
The capital holds its breath.
– It feels apocalyptic, says Juliet Allen, 19.
There is a smell of plywood around the White House on election day.
Several shops, cafes and post offices in the area have re-nailed their shop windows with new wooden planks.
The presidential palace itself is surrounded by steel fences several meters high, and Howard University, where Kamala Harris studied and now holds her election night party, looks like a military installation.
– I am terrified, says Isabel Adams, 19, who is out for a morning walk.
– I am also very nervous because basically all of our rights are at stake right now. The atmosphere in DC is strange, but I still have a little hope.
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full screen Fewer people than usual are out and about and the riot fence is in place. Photo: Nora Savosnick
“In safe mode”
Isabel, a first-time voter, is studying at George Washington University. She points towards the university building some distance away.
– Everyone is going around at full speed, and there are many more police than usual. My campus is on security mode because they are expecting protests and the like. So we’ll see.
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full screenIsabel Adams says everyone is going full blast. Photo: Nora Savosnick
Washington is far from its usual bustling self on Election Day. Traffic has slowed, and fewer people stay in the parks. It is quiet on a warm autumn morning.
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fullscreen Already on Friday, security preparations began in the area around the White House. Photo: Nora Savosnick
3,000 police officers in shifts
On Pennsylvania Avenue, where the White House is located, security preparations began as early as Friday with barricaded windows. Several bars and restaurants are closed, and few students are on campus, as classes have been moved online. Many in the city are worried and have fresh memories of how everything was shut down after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, almost four years ago.
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full screen 3,000 police officers work in shifts around the clock. Photo: Nora Savosnick
This time, the city does not intend to be surprised and has promised to increase security during election week and the week after. Over 3,000 DC police officers are working 12-hour shifts, although the agency has announced that no credible threats have been made against the capital in connection with the election.
Far-right mobilization
But few know what awaits in the coming days. The past few months have been turbulent: Trump has survived two assassination attempts, and polls show that a fifth of the population believes that political violence can sometimes be justified, on both the right and the left.
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full screenMany shops, restaurants and bars have installed plywood for the windows. Several are closed. Photo: Nora Savosnick
Far-right groups like the Proud Boys, which spearheaded the storming of the Capitol, are now mobilizing again for Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal. In social media, members are urged to “keep their rifle close” ahead of the election. Many of Trump’s supporters embrace the narrative that anything but a victory for him is due to election fraud.
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Addie Froula, Natalia Layer and Juliet Allen find the atmosphere strange.
1 / 2Photo: Nora Savosnick
Friends Addie Froula, 19, Natalia Layer, 19, and Juliet Allen, 19, stroll in the sun outside the White House this morning.
“Strange atmosphere”
The atmosphere is nervous and tense. Seeing the capital once again barricaded is terrifying, and none of them dare rule out the possibility of violence in the city.
– It’s definitely a strange atmosphere. It feels apocalyptic, says Juliet.
Addie nods in agreement.
– I know, especially on our campus – all classes are canceled today, and no one really knows what will happen.
– It feels as if we are preparing for a worst-possible scenario, adds Natalia Layer.
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full screen The windows have been barricaded against possible riots and riots. Photo: Nora Savosnick
She thinks back to the mood after the storming of the Capitol on January 6. It’s exactly the kind of riot she fears could happen again.
– I absolutely believe that it is possible, especially if the feelings become really strong. But I don’t think that would happen today. I think it can happen when the election results come in and there is a clear winner.
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fullscreenKamala Harris speaks in Pennsylvania the night before Election Day. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Voted for the first time
Juliet believes the risk of violence depends on whether Harris or Trump wins, and whether the losing candidate accepts the election results.
– Regardless, there is definitely more security now, people seem aware of the risk.
All three have voted for the very first time, and they have chosen Democrat Kamala Harris.
Do you have a backup plan if things get violent in DC?
– I can always go back home to Boston, laughs Natalia.
– I’ll probably just stay in the dorm until things have calmed down. I’m sure our school will handle it well, says Addie.