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CIVIL UNREST - U.S. Election Violence Notice


U.S. elections took place Tuesday, 3 November, with many states still counting mail-in ballots. This election remains highly contentious and carries with it the potential for violence and civil unrest. Major cities across the U.S. and U.S. interests abroad may be targets of violence and unrest.

Our continued concerns range from isolated incidents to an extended period of mass protests, violent confrontations between counter-groups, and widespread property damage if the outcome of the election remains unclear, hotly contested or “undesirable”. Extremist groups have been especially vocal regarding election-related violence on various internet platforms.

Locations that have seen heightened tensions or previous violence this year carry a high probability of experiencing large-scale demonstrations which could easily lead to violence. To date, demonstrators and counter-groups have gathered at ballot counting locations as well as major cities.

The Justice Department has been planning since early October to station officials in a command center at FBI headquarters to coordinate a federal response to any disturbances or other problems with voting that may arise across the country.

Possible Effects:

Protests or demonstrations, especially near government buildings, ballot counting locations and city centers

Presence of counter protesters

Large groups of people which may increase tensions

Disruptions to public transportation and businesses where protests are being held

Travel disruptions due to increased traffic congestion and blocked roads

Increased presence of security, law enforcement, media and other personnel

Possibility of extended violent protests, both planned and spontaneous

Increased incidents of disinformation, misinformation and scammers taking advantage of U.S. election tensions by both foreign and domestic actors

Mitigating Factors to Apply:

Avoid large crowds, which have the possibility of turning violent and may also serve as a catalyst for COVID-19 spread

Avoid movement after dark and near downtown areas and any locations regularly used for protests, marches, demonstrations, etc.

Avoid retail locations which may serve as targets for looters, especially after dark

Should you choose to protest, maintain active situational awareness and remain alert to sudden changes that could impact your safety

Practice social distancing and wear a mask when distance cannot be maintained and/or in confined spaces

If detained, adhere to the instructions of local authorities

Abide by local laws and restrictions

Allow extra time for travel

Avoid travel after dark, when civil unrest tends to escalate

Prepare for disruptions caused by protests

Monitor local and social media for updates and verify the accuracy of information reported

Assess your risk:

o Assess your location: home, work, etc.

If you live in a high risk area (historic civil unrest locations, high crime areas, near ballot counting locations, downtown areas, etc) consider relocating for a short period of time or prepare to remain inside for several days.

Have a plan in place in case of an emergency (building of residence or work damaged, fire, smoke, etc) and you have to leave quickly.

o Assess your travel

Does your commute bring you near or through high risk areas ?

o Avoid travel through high risk areas (even if only on the outskirts). Opt for travel on bypasses around cities, for example.

Plan more than one route for your commutes.

o Communication

Make sure someone always knows where you are, where you plan on going and what time to expect you there.

Pre-program the non-emergency numbers for the local police and fire and rescue in your phone

Always call 9-1-1 if you find yourself in an emergency situation


DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless

Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.

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