The National Park Service (NPS) announced new security measures on the eve of Election Day, saying that more “anti-scale” fences were being built, and there would be area closures around the White House.
The move followed a request made by the United States Secret Service (USSS), and addresses “the need to quickly deescalate potentially violent encounters, protect park resources, and maintain public safety near the White House Complex,” according to Monday’s statement.
NPS will temporarily restrict access to certain park land under its jurisdiction in the White House area. But the closures will not affect the public’s ability to demonstrate in the park, “absent a law enforcement need.”
The fencing will also allow part of the sidewalks to remain available for pedestrians.
The anti-scale fencing will be installed along the following areas near the White House and there will be little modification to President’s Park from 6:00 p.m. on November 2, 2020:
- West sidewalk of 15th Street, Northwest, between H Street, Northwest and Constitution Avenue Northwest;
- East sidewalk of 17th Street, Northwest, between H Street, Northwest and Constitution Avenue Northwest;
- North sidewalk of Constitution Avenue, Northwest, between 15th and 17th Streets Northwest.