US: Anti-Trump activists to gather in Washington DC November 4-6

Event

The Shut Down DC group plan to stage anti-President Donald Trump protests throughout the Washington DC between Wednesday, November 4, and Friday, November 6. Reports indicate that on November 4, participants will gather at Union Street in the center of the city, before holding demonstrations at headquarters of media outlets and organizations, and campaign officials, that supported President Trump in the lead up to the US presidential elections. Organizers have not announced exact times and locations of the demonstrations, but possible gatherings points include the Downtown, Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

On Thursday, November 5, Shut Down will reportedly attempt to block access to the White House, likely by blocking roads in the immediate vicinity such as Pennsylvania Avenue, New York Avenue, 15th Street, and 17th Street NW.

On November 6, Shut Down DC intends to disrupt transit throughout the city. Although the group has not specified how it intends to disrupt traffic, previous attempts have included blocking traffic on major thoroughfares such as Connecticut Avenue, K Street, 4th Street, and New York Avenue. 

A heightened police presence is expected in the vicinity of the demonstration, with disruptions to transportation and business likely.

Context

Heightened security was reported around the US as millions of Americans head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3. Violence and election-related unrest across the country are possible as the country votes in a polarized presidential race contested between incumbent Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joseph Biden.

A number of businesses and shops in Washington and several other major cities have reportedly boarded up windows in anticipation of potential unrest over the election results in the coming days.

Due to the large number of voters who decided to vote via mail due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is possible that the announcement of results may be delayed. In this case, there will be a realistic possibility of protests in states with an unclear winner and in major US cities, such as Washington DC, Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Advice

Those in Washington DC are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.