The results already disputed
For his third candidacy for the presidential election, Donald Trump has refused to commit to accepting the results of the election, and is already alleging – without basis – the existence of electoral fraud and cheating in key states like Pennsylvania .
Enough to pave the way for new civil unrest.
A few steps from the White House on Friday, workers were hammering wooden planks to affix them to the windows of several businesses.
For several weeks, a security barrier has also largely cut off access to one of the squares in front of the presidential residence.
Barricades have been erected as construction workers work in unusually mild temperatures. They are building one of the platforms that will be used during the ceremonies around the inauguration of the new president in January.
Work traditionally begins in November, but on January 6, 2021, workers had to evacuate the construction site.
So this year, the National Park Service said work would begin a month earlier “in order to allow the additional time necessary for a safer environment”.
During last week’s city council meeting, Christopher Rodriguez particularly warned against misinformation on social media that could affect public safety in the US capital.
Geopolitical events like the conflict in Gaza add “a layer of complexity” Who “could lead to political violence”he declared.
The federal police, the FBI, announced that they were setting up a command center to monitor these threats while the Secret Service, responsible for protecting senior political figures, declared that it would strengthen its security system if necessary.
No credible threat
The Capitol Police, many of whose officers were injured during the events of January 6, 2021, declined to comment on their preparations. Mayor Muriel Bowser, however, said at a press conference in October that this police department dedicated to congressional security would be “ready”.
None “credible threat” targeting Washington during the period around the election has not been identified, assured the city’s police chief, Pamela Smith.
Peaceful demonstrations will be authorized, she declared, before adding: “we will not tolerate any violence”.
The police chief promised a show of force “visible” in the city over the coming weeks, with a peak of 4,000 reinforcements on January 20, the day of the presidential inauguration.
On Friday, tourists admired the view from the Ellipse, the park on the other side of the White House where Donald Trump addressed his supporters on January 6, 2021 before the assault on the Capitol.
“Look at all the weapons”one of the tourists whispered, pointing to Secret Service agents standing silently in front of the barricades.
