Washington, D.C., Nov 05, (V7N) - As the United States approaches Election Day 2024, the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is preparing for the possibility of unrest and protests surrounding what is expected to be a contentious and close election. On the eve of Election Day, a highly visible and unexpected sight emerged near the White House in Lafayette Square: a large, metal fence, approximately 10 feet tall, now encircling the iconic building and its surrounding areas, including the statue of former President Andrew Jackson.

The decision to erect the fence was made by the U.S. Secret Service, which has increased security measures in response to concerns about potential violence in light of the tight race. Tourists and locals, many of whom were in the area to take in the sights and enjoy lunch on a sunny afternoon, were left frustrated as the usual open access to the White House and Lafayette Square was obstructed. The fence restricted their view of the historic building and symbolically highlighted the political tension and uncertainty surrounding the election.

Tourist Reactions: Frustration and Concern

Rose Jones, a 77-year-old tourist visiting from North Carolina, stood with her family near the perimeter of the newly erected fence. "I'm disappointed," she said, noting that her grandchildren had traveled to Washington specifically to see the White House. With the fence blocking the view, their visit was overshadowed by frustration. “The kids wanted to see the White House, and now they can’t see it,” she added.

Similarly, Alison Carrillo, a 16-year-old from California, who was visiting Washington with her family for the first time, expressed surprise at the new security measures. However, she also understood the rationale behind them. “After January 6, 2021, it’s really understandable that they are closing here,” Carrillo said, referring to the Capitol attack by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

For many, the sight of the barricades felt unsettling. "You see all the fences around here, and you wonder," said Mike Longmeyer, 64, from Redlands, California. Longmeyer, who was visiting Washington with his wife, Teresa, noted the increased polarization and violence surrounding recent elections. "It’s gotten out of hand," he said. "That’s not America. We should pass the baton to the next party and try to work together, instead of civil war."

Heightened Security Ahead of Election Day

In addition to the fences surrounding the White House, other parts of Washington D.C. are also on high alert. Some businesses in the downtown area have taken precautionary measures by boarding up their windows and doors, and additional fencing has been erected around the Naval Observatory, the official residence of Vice President Kamala Harris. Local authorities have warned that there will be no tolerance for violence or threats to public safety in the lead-up to Election Day.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith held a press conference on Monday, assuring the public that Washington’s law enforcement agencies were prepared to handle any disruptions that might occur. “There will be no tolerance for violence in our city,” she declared, reinforcing the message that the safety of both the public and the electoral process would be a priority.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser also expressed concern about the heightened security atmosphere. “I feel very sad that this is the state of things,” Bowser said. “But the way that I deal with anxiety is to work and make sure that we are as prepared as we can be.”

A Global Perspective

Despite the heightened tensions in Washington, some visitors from outside the United States viewed the city’s preparations with curiosity. Nicolas LaPere, a tourist from Paris, reflected on the situation from an international perspective. “It’s interesting to see a city waiting for a new president,” he said, adding that he saw the scene with "a different view" as an outsider.

LaPere noted that, although the city felt relatively calm, the sight of the security measures – especially the fences around the White House – made him wonder about underlying concerns. “Maybe there are some concerns here in the city,” he said. “Very strange.”

Election Security Measures Nationwide

While the White House has drawn the most attention, these increased security measures are not confined to the nation’s capital. In Florida, additional fences have been erected around the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where Trump’s campaign headquarters will monitor election results. The Secret Service spokesperson Alexandria Worley explained that these security upgrades were not in direct response to any specific threat but were part of broader public safety measures put in place ahead of the election.

"We are taking every precaution," Worley said, "to ensure the safety of the public, elected officials, and the integrity of the election process."

The View from Pennsylvania Avenue

As tourists tried to navigate the restricted areas, they encountered a less-than-ideal experience. On Pennsylvania Avenue, which typically provides a clear view of the White House, construction workers were assembling a massive wooden structure as part of preparations for the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade. The structure was as tall as the White House itself, blocking any remaining sightlines of the building. A sign explaining the construction indicated that it was part of a Washington tradition dating back to the days of President Abraham Lincoln, but to many visitors, it added to the sense of disruption in the capital city.

"It's a good idea," said Angel Perez, who had driven from Maryland with his family to see Washington's landmarks. He acknowledged that given the tense political climate, the security measures might have been necessary, though he still found the sight of the fences "alarming." Perez, like many others, had visited the area before but had never seen the White House encircled by such high barriers. “It’s probably better just to keep everybody locked in,” he added.

A Sense of Sadness and Resignation

Despite the understandable concerns, some visitors felt that the measures were necessary to ensure safety. “Better safe than sorry,” said Perez, reflecting on the growing climate of political division and violence. Others, like the Longmeyers, were less optimistic. "I came to see the White House, and I think I’ve seen a corner of it," Mike Longmeyer remarked, noting the stark contrast between the historical openness of Washington, D.C., and the restricted access now in place. “Taxpayers pay for that. You can’t even see it.”

For many, the fences around the White House symbolized the broader political and social divides facing the country as Election Day looms. As the day approached, tensions remained high, and while some appreciated the necessity of the security measures, others lamented the growing sense of division and the potential for unrest.

Conclusion: A City on Edge

Washington, D.C., as the seat of the U.S. government, is no stranger to political unrest, but the days leading up to the 2024 election have left the city on edge. The heightened security measures, including fences around key landmarks and government buildings, reflect the uncertainty and anxiety that many Americans feel as they head into one of the most contested elections in modern history.

For tourists and residents alike, the spectacle of barricades around the White House serves as a visual reminder of the deep political divides in the nation. Whether viewed with frustration, resignation, or acceptance, the fences mark a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for political stability and national unity.

In the coming days, as election results unfold, the nation will brace itself for what could be a contentious aftermath. For now, Washington, D.C., stands guarded, awaiting the outcome of the 2024 election with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

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