(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — This year’s election could be the most tense in decades.  With the nation grappling with civil unrest since the death of George Floyd, which sparked protests across the country — safety officials are concerned that, no matter who wins this year’s presidential election, there may be violence.

To help protect the White House, temporary non-scalable fencing was erected around the property on Monday ahead of expected Election Day protests.

Other fencing was installed in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, which was the location of a massive Black Lives Matter protest over the summer.

Washington D.C. — as well as New York City and Minneapolis — are bracing for protests and potential riots, boarding up store and municipal building windows.

While District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham say they have yet to receive a credible threat of violence, the city has received several demonstration permit requests for Election Day.

Said Bowser, “We also know that some people would like to cause mayhem or trouble. We don’t have any specific thing to report to you about that, but we will tell you that we are preparing to ensure the city’s safety.”

“We welcome people to come to the District of Columbia to exercise their First Amendment right, but we won’t tolerate violence or unrest,” added Newsham.

It is unknown when the fencing will be removed around the White House.