CLEVELAND — There was a lot of boarding up on Tuesday afternoon in Downtown Cleveland.
Though there was no specific threat of violence, some businesses prepared just in case.
They had hoped for the best, yet prepared for the worse.
At a Citizens Bank at East 12th Street and Superior Avenue, the windows were completely boarded up before dark. Across the street, there was a new fence surrounding the Oswald Centre.
Both local and federal sources confirmed to 3News that they were on standby in the event of problems.
Tensions over COVID-19, police-involved shooting deaths involving people of color, and Election Day itself all contributed to their concern.
Cleveland has also been no stranger to violence. Earlier this year, a peaceful protest led to the destruction of property.
Outside the Justice Center, two new rows of fencing surrounded the block Tuesday.
At the Huntington Bank building, which had also been damaged this year, several doorways and windows were boarded up.
There were more Cleveland Police Officers on bikes, with a spokesperson confirming that days off were canceled for second and third platoons to free up personnel.
Fortunately, it turned out to be a quiet night.