Local

Law enforcement agencies prepare for possible unrest on election night

MOUNT MOURNE, N.C. — Law enforcement agencies from across the country are concerned about what will happen in the wake of Tuesday’s election.

Businesses have boarded up windows and doors in preparation for possible civil unrest.

“I think we really could have a serious problem all across America,” Mooresville resident John Hobart said.

>> Make WSOC your Elections Day HQ: How to watch, listen and stay informed

Ross Bulla, a security expert, said the election is more polarized than others in recent memory.

“There’s a concern, a real concern among law enforcement and security professionals,” Bulla said. “I’ve already witnessed some arguments at the polls. I believe there will be, at a minimum, some disagreements that will turn violent.”

[NC elections office predicts 97% of ballots to be counted by end of Election Day]

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has been preparing for Election Day and what could follow. It has security and operational plans in place.

The Iredell County sheriff is also keeping an eye out for any incidents.

“And there’s a lot more people outspoken this year on both sides,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said. “So, obviously, we don’t want to take no chances on anything.”

He said they’re rearranging some vacation time and will be on standby in case there’s trouble.

“A lot of people, they see what’s happened nationally, and they want to make sure it doesn’t happen in their neighborhood,” Campbell said. “So they asking us if we’re going to be prepared and I tell them, ‘Absolutely, we will be.’”

CMPD told Channel 9′s Elsa Gillis that they have not received any information about election-related demonstrations but that they have a plan just in case.

The manager at Fuel Pizza on North College Street in uptown said he is planning for a normal day and week, despite nationwide concerns for potential unrest.

“We just wait to see, 'cause if nothing happens, then there’s no point in closing early. We lost the business, people could have came in,” Chris Brooks said. “It’s just in the back of my mind right now. It’s the last thing I am thinking about until I see something.”

Brooks did say that the building he’s in recently got an extra layer of protection on its windows. He said to his knowledge, it’s not tied to the election. Just something to prevent harm in general.

Other businesses, such as Capital Grill, have boarded up as a precaution. Gillis learned its because the business suffered damage during protests over the summer.

Mayor Vi Lyles also shared a reminder ahead of election night.

“We should rise up as Charlotteans and respect the process," she said. “An election is probably one of the most important rights that we have, the right to vote and chose our leadership. And my hope is that as the election returns come in, that people respect them.”