Official reports snipers on roofs and US election staff in bulletproof vests during US election | US News
Extreme security measures are in place at some US voting locations, with snipers on rooftops and officials wearing bulletproof vests, according to a senior election official, Tammy Patrick, who spoke to Sky News. Barbed-wire fencing has also been erected at several locations that experienced trouble after the 2020 presidential vote.
Philadelphia’s district attorney, Larry Krasner, issued a warning to troublemakers, stating: “We’re not playing. F around and find out.” The tension arises as concerns grow about potential violence or unrest if Donald Trump loses and disputes the election results.
Ms. Patrick from the National Association of Election Officials reported that 40% of election workers have already faced threats or abuse, prompting the need for extreme protective measures. Some counting centers, like those in Maricopa County, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, have implemented bulletproof vests and erected barbed wire fences.
Metal fences were seen near the White House in Washington DC this week, a reminder of the security measures taken after the Capitol building was stormed. Maricopa County tabulation center in Phoenix, a previous target for rigged election conspiracy theorists, has also increased security.
Sheriff Russ Skinner revealed that drones are monitoring polling station activity in Maricopa County, with snipers and other assets on standby for any potential threats. There is a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity, as stated by Mr. Skinner.
Workers put up security fencing near the White House on Monday. Pic: Reuters
Arizona and Nevada, two key swing states in the election, are facing heightened concerns due to the tight race and Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud. The possibility of unrest escalates if Trump refuses to accept defeat, adding to the tension surrounding the election.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a strong warning to potential troublemakers in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the consequences of attempting to interfere with the election process. The threat of unrest looms heavily if Trump rejects the election outcome.
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Sociology professor Peter Simi believes that the worst-case scenario would be Trump’s refusal to concede defeat, potentially sparking unrest. The threat could manifest as scattered events across multiple locations rather than a centralized attack like the Capitol storming.
