No signs of unrest downtown as Election Day comes and goes

Monument Circle is seen from a West Market Street building adorned with plywood boards. (IBJ Photos/Mickey Shuey)

Election Night came and went in downtown Indianapolis with no signs of protests or civil unrest despite concerns from business owners that national results could spark demonstrations. Of course, the presidential election was still far from decided early Wednesday morning.

Numerous buildings on and near Monument Circle spent Monday and Tuesday placing plywood over their windows out of fear they may be targeted by groups dissatisfied with the election’s outcome. Three banks, the Indianapolis Power & Light Building, the former Anthem headquarters and Market Tower were among those that boarded up.

While IMPD representatives did not immediately return messages requesting comment, no instances of widespread vandalism or property damage in the city’s core had been reported as of midnight and most streets near Monument Circle were generally quiet.

Indiana was going handily to President Donald Trump, who held a 59%-39% lead over challenger Joe Biden with more than 80% of the vote counted. Some business owners have expressed concern that protests and possible looting and vandalism could still crop up later in the week, after key swing states shore up their election results.

IMPD Deputy Chief Joshua Barker told IBJ on Monday the department increased its staffing for Tuesday and later in the week “to respond to any issues that should arise,” but said there had been no reports of planned disruptions tied to the election.

Other businesses also indicated their memories are still haunted by riots from May and early June that accompanied protests over the deaths of black citizens at the hands of police in other cities.