Cleveland businesses board up ahead of presidential debate fearing riots and vandalism

Businesses in Cleveland, Ohio, have reportedly been boarding up storefronts and offices ahead of the first presidential debate over fears that the event could lead to unrest in the city.

Local organisations have said that they fear a clash of “different ideologies” could lead to violence or vandalism and have taken steps to protect their property, Fox News reported.

"This is some concern based on all of the folks with all of the different ideologies that will be coming to town, and if they will direct that energy toward themselves and, or, if they will do toward personal property," Cleveland Councilman Blaine Griffin told the broadcaster.

The state’s governor has already confirmed that 300 members of the national guard will be deployed in the area to “ensure a safe and secure environment" for those attending the debate.

“After receiving a formal request from Cleveland officials last night, I am issuing a proclamation today that activates around 300 @OHNationalGuard members to help @CLEPolice ensure a safe and secure environment for those attending Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland,” Gov Mike DeWine tweeted last week.

Officials at the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland told WKYC that despite reassurance, they still fear that their building could become a target of crime.

"We have been assured that our building will be protected,” CEO Patricia Otter told the NBC affiliate. “But we are very worried about vandalism.”

Cleveland.com reported that security officials have placed tall metal fences around the pavilion on the Cleveland Clinic’s campus, the location of the debate. 

Cleveland’s Police Department will also close certain roads and increase its presence in the area in response to the event, reports said.

The event marks the first Presidential debate between Mr Trump and Mr Biden and is set to take place in the Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion on Tuesday.

President of Black Lives Matter Cleveland, LaTonya Goldsby, told WKYC that the group is organising a peaceful protest ahead of the debate at a park in the city.

"We are looking to get together and have a peaceful demonstration and talk about the issues as it relates to Cleveland. This presidential debate has just created chaos within the city," said Ms Goldsby.

Ms Goldsby insisted that the group “aren't looking to see any violence or escalation” and that they have security plans in place to protect their members.

Major General John C Harris, the Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard, told WTOL that the federal reinforcements will ensure “everybody has a chance to express their First Amendment rights” in a peaceful environment.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams echoed the same sentiments to WKYC saying: "they're here to make sure people exercise their constitutional rights.”

The city also faced federal deployment in July amidst ongoing civil unrest following the death of George Floyd when "more than 25" agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF and US Marshals were sent to the area.

US Attorney General William Barr faced intense scrutiny from Democrats over federal agents' presence and use of force against Black Lives Matter demonstrators amidst the protests.