The United States is bracing for potential civil unrest as the election day unfolds, with fears of violence reminiscent of the Capitol attack incited by former President Donald Trump nearly four years ago.
As voters cast their ballots in a tightly contested race between Democrat Kamala Harris and the Republican nominee, the nation's democratic stability appears to be teetering on the edge. Incidents of ballot boxes set ablaze and a machete-wielding teenager arrested at a Florida polling station underscore the tense atmosphere.
According to Metro, security experts are vigilantly tracking potential 'triggers' that could spark widespread civil unrest and protests. Michael Rogers, chief security analyst at International SOS, identified several key threats that could lead to large, violent protests around government sites and polling stations, solo actor attacks against politicians, and extremist acts. He stated, "As we watch the Election Day scenarios play out, we are looking for triggers that could result in civil unrest."
Rogers pointed out several potential triggers, including a prolonged period of uncertainty post-election, misinformation surrounding electoral fraud, particularly in critical counties in sensitive swing states, and politicians refusing to accept the election results. He emphasized that these factors, combined with a narrow victory margin for either Harris or Trump, could lead Americans to believe the election "was stolen," resulting in mass unrest.
Cities across the US are preparing for potential civil unrest, with visible security measures in place, especially in battleground states that will decide the presidential election. Rogers agreed that swing states are a "focal point," but also highlighted other regions where unrest could be triggered. He mentioned cities like Portland, Seattle, and Chicago, which have a history of politically driven activism.
Reflecting on the possibility of another attack like the storming of the Capitol, Rogers believes it is "not likely to see a repeat." He asserted that authorities are taking significant measures to prevent a recurrence, and the more probable outcome would be isolated acts of violence or criminal mischief targeting sensitive sites in swing states.
Since the Capitol riot, over 1,230 people have been charged with federal crimes, with about 730 pleading guilty. Rogers emphasized that many of the extremist groups involved in the riot have been dismantled or infiltrated by police, indicating a concerted effort to maintain peace during this election period.
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