Boston business owners boarding up hours before a potentially contentious Election Day

BOSTON — Up and down Boston’s popular Newbury Street, businesses were already boarded up by Monday afternoon. Owners said, with Election Day coming up, they didn’t want to take any chances.

This isn’t the first time businesses have boarded up this year in anticipation of a big, nationwide event. During the summer, business owners were wary of protests that turned violent and erupted into riots where people began looting, but this time around it’ll be a contentious political race that could be the cause for concern.

Throughout the night Boston 25 crews even saw undercover officers driving around, getting a lay of the land, not knowing what to expect in the days to come.

“I don’t want the customer to walk in and feel like it’s a combat zone because everything is boarded up,” said Billy Gu, the owner of Q restaurant in Chinatown.

From Boston’s Chinatown to Newbury Street, back-to-back businesses were boarded up hours before the polls open up on Tuesday morning.

“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 says not knowing what to expect makes him anxious. Recently, Gu says, police officers stopped by his business.

“They would come in and ask if anyone cause trouble, they gave me their business card and said to call if anything happens,” said Gu.

After what happened to businesses in Boston back in May many owners were traumatized. Protestors smashed windows, broke into businesses, carried out stolen merchandise on live television and set fire to businesses and Boston police cruisers.

Gov. Baker activates Massachusetts National Guard to help in COVID-19 response

A boarding crew drove in from Springfield to board up the H&R block on Tremont Street in Chinatown.

“It’s been crazy. It’s pretty busy. This COVID thing has everyone going crazy,” said David Figueroa, who is boarding up businesses.

Over in the Back Bay, business owners aren’t letting their guards down.

“If anything happens, we are going to lock up and leave,” said Katherine Labelle, one of the owners of Serafina, a restaurant in the Back Bay.

“I just hope everyone stays safe no matter what happens,” said Labelle.

Boston Police sources tell Boston 25 News they are prepared to work long hours in the coming days.

Gov. Baker activates 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard

Business owners say they’re apprehensive about what will happen, questioning why should looters be able take out their frustration on their businesses like they did months ago.

On Monday, Governor Charlie Baker also announced he would be activating 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to be available to help should local police require backup.

Over the summer, the National Guard was called in to assist authorities in the state several times, where they could be seen patrolling the streets of downtown Boston and providing assistance with the city’s COVID-19 containment efforts.

Cox Media Group