Businesses in Downtown Dallas are boarding up and reinforcing security within their shops in preparation for what some feel will be a rowdy election day. The Dallas Morning News published an article on November 2nd about the subject. In it, they state:
“Multiple polls indicate a majority of Americans are concerned about potentially violent demonstrations following Election Day — concerns that are no doubt bolstered by an intense summer of anti-police brutality demonstrations across the country that saw police clash with protesters.”
There aren’t any tangible and clear threats to businesses right now and for the most part the actions of these establishments seem to be preventive due to the surge of protests earlier in the year according to Fox 4 KDWF’s article published on November 3rd. In it, they state:
“There is no clear threat of post-election violence in Dallas or any other part of North Texas. . . The county judge has said there has been no credible threats of violence. Still, many Downtown Dallas business owners and residents are preparing for possible protests. Shop owners are boarding up their stores worried the election’s outcome could spark another round of violent protests and riots.”
That being said, the unease of citizens still looms and the Dallas Police Department is prepared for any possible incidents that may occur on election day according to an NBC 5 DFW article published on November 2nd. In it, they state:
“A plan has been made in conjunction with local, state and federal partners to ensure people are safe at the polls and if people choose to ‘exercise their First Amendment Right to peaceful assembly.’ All discretionary leave has been restricted for sworn personnel. ‘All sworn personnel will be required to be in uniform and maintain a constant state of equipment readiness during the election period in case the need for an immediate response emerges,’ the department said in a statement. Plans also include activating the Emergency Operations Center. Fort Worth police said hours were changed to ensure there are additional officers on duty throughout election day.
Although unrest is not guaranteed, both the police and business owners in Dallas are preparing for anything and staying on the safe side.
