WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Work boarding up storefronts near the White House began Thursday morning, as businesses gear up ahead of Election Day next week.
The McDonald’s, the Frame Mender and the entrance to 750 17th St NW were almost completely boarded over by Thursday evening. The businesses are still open to the public.
Employees at the businesses told DC News Now the election is the reason behind the boards and confirmed the work started early Thursday.
People passing by snapped photos and were shocked to see businesses boarding up so soon with the election still days away.
“I think it’s terrible that it has to be done, because no one wants it. I don’t think it should be necessary, but maybe because of the past, it’s necessary. I understand that they have to do it, but I feel sorry that it has to be done,” said Joeri Vanbroekovon, who is visiting D.C. for the election.
This week, DC Police Chief Pamela Smith spoke on election security and safety, saying, “I want to be very clear, we will not tolerate any violence of any kind, we will not tolerate riots, not tolerate destruction of property.”
Smith and DC Council leadership said there are not any known credible threats at this point. However, the police department is on alert with an increased presence across the city through Election Day.
Right now, there’s no word on how long the boards will stay up downtown.
