Numerous Boston businesses were boarded up before Monday afternoon in preparation for Election Day.
Owners of local businesses told Boston 25 News Monday that they didn't want to take any chances with tensions high leading up to Tuesday night, including Billy Gu, owner of Q restaurant in Chinatown.
“I don’t want the customer to walk in and feel like it’s a combat zone because everything is boarded up,” Gu said.
Boston 25 News reports back-to-back businesses were boarded up from Chinatown to Newbury Street in the hours leading up to the polls reopening on Election Day.
“I think it’s the uncertainty, when it’s going to start, and when it’s going to end, on top of the pandemic,” said Gu.
Gu told Boston 25 News local police officers have stopped by his restaurant to ask if anyone caused trouble and gave him their business card in case anything happens.
In May, numerous local business owners boarded up their establishments during nationwide protests for racial injustice in fear that protests would turn violent and escalate into riots and looting.
Some protestors smashed windows, broke into buildings, took merchandise and set fire to businesses and police vehicles.
Sources within the Boston Police Department said they are preparing to work long hours during the next few days due to possible civil unrest brought on by election day.