More than 20 US states, as well as Washington, DC, are preparing for possible unrest after the presidential election by deploying the military to protect election commissions and government buildings from possible protests by Donald Trump supporters. This was reported by Reuters.
More than 20 states have asked to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., if necessary, and the request will come in the weeks following the election or before the inauguration.
Although the District of Columbia has not yet formally requested National Guard support, officials are discussing possible measures to deal with renewed violence around the 6 January congressional certification of the election results and the inauguration.
Speaking at a briefing on 4 November, Jean-Paul Laurenceau of the National Guard Bureau said it was unclear how many troops might be needed, as it would depend on requests from the District of Columbia.
Security measures are being stepped up in some ‘swing’ states, including Nevada and Arizona. In Las Vegas, a fence has been erected around the vote-counting building, and Governor Joe Lombardo has called in a limited contingent of 60 National Guardsmen for rapid response. Similar measures have been taken in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, where a metal fence has already been erected around the counting centre.
Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner said his department would be on high alert for potential threats, using drones, snipers and other equipment to monitor activity. He emphasised that law enforcement would have zero tolerance for any unlawful activity.
Some schools and churches that have served as polling stations in the past have decided not to provide space this year due to concerns about protests and possible violence.
The state of Michigan is also preparing for possible protests, with Detroit stepping up security measures with metal detectors, fences and increased police patrols.
In California, according to Professor Peter Simi of Chapman University, it is feared that if Trump loses and does not concede defeat, protests may be scattered across the country, which will complicate the situation for law enforcement. In Oregon and Washington, the National Guard has also been mobilised, and some stores have covered their windows with plywood.
These measures come ahead of the US presidential election on 5 November. The main candidates are Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party and Donald Trump of the Republican Party.
