images of the barricades installed in front of the White House as the vote approaches

America is not calm. This 2024 presidential election, which is already being announced as the closest in the country's history, is worrying as much about its outcome as its repercussions. The Washington authorities have indeed warned of possible disturbances to public order that the results could cause. As the vote ends this Tuesday, November 5, many cities have made the decision to barricade themselves.

The high places of power on alert

The tension is felt even in the high places of power. Around the White House in Washington, two-meter-high riot barriers have already been placed, reinforced with concrete blocks. Identical situation at the Capitol, at the US Treasury Department, and, of course, at the residence of the vice-president and Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. A security perimeter well guarded by an army of police officers, whose numbers will also be increased to 4,000 on January 20, 2025, during the inauguration of the or future elected official. The federal police, the FBI, announced that it would set up a command center during this period, to monitor potential excesses. “Let's be clear: there will be no tolerance for violence in our city”Pamela Smith, the Washington police chief, declared Monday during a press conference. And to add that the police are ready “to face many different scenarios.” The Secret Service, responsible for the security of senior political figures, is also on alert.

The idea of ​​this exceptional system of barricades deployed by institutions and private companies in several cities across the country such as New York or Portland, is to prevent a repeat of the situation of January 6, 2021. On that day, the supporters of current Republican candidate Donald Trump had invaded the Capitol to try to prevent the certification of Democratic candidate Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election. A victory contested by candidate Donald Trump and his supporters. This time, the heart of power is preparing. The first results will fall this Tuesday, November 5 in the United States, depending on the State, and on Wednesday night in France. The final outcome of the vote could only be presented in several days.