PHILADEPHIA has turned the National Constitution Center and its surroundings into a security-tight fortress with barricades and street closures.
The additional measures come before Donald Trump and Kamala Harris go head-to-head during the first presidential debate as security remains on high alert after the recent rally shooting.
Just hours before the two presidential candidates are meant to debate each other, Philadelphia has taken extra measures to ensure everyone’s safety.
Tall barricades have been placed around the National Constitutional Center, with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel saying the his force’s focus is on ensuring a safe event.
“We will have a substantial number of men and women down out on the ground supporting the efforts in that area,” Bethal said.
Additionally, he said they will have off-duty staff come to support with security measures.
“We have been able to bring additional assets, men and women who are off duty to come in and support that,” Bethel continued.
“We do this in a collective way to be able to manage this effectively.”
“We will have our Office of Emergency Management up and activated tomorrow, and work in collaboration across the entire city government with local state and other partners to ensure we have a safe event,” Bethel said as per ABC 6.
City officials have said to “expect residual delays on surrounding roadways” as some lanes on the Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed.
In addition to road closures, several bus routes will be making detours from their normal routes, which began on Tuesday morning and will continue through Wednesday.
Security expert Jack Tamarchio told the outlet that extra security efforts were being made inside the barricades as well.
“There’s plenty of work you don’t see behind the scenes,” Tamarchio said.
“They understand this place, they have it mapped out. They know where the ventilation systems are,” he continued.
“They know where underground piping tunnels are. So those are places they are comfortable with.”
Today’s debate comes as:
In addition to preventing another shooting incident, security is gearing up for possible protesters.
According to ABC 6, the Philly Palestinian Coalition are expected to gather at Philadelphia’s City Hall and march to the National Constitutional Center.
Authorities have been working with the group to ensure the mood remains calm.
KAMALA Harris and Donald Trump will have their first presidential debate on September 10. The U.S. Sun has everything you need to know:
The debate, which will last for 90 minutes, kicks off at 9pm ET and will air on ABC.
It will also be shown on ABC News’ 24/7 streaming network, Hulu and Disney+.
The debate will be moderated by ABC stars Linsey Davis and David Muir.
Harris and Trump will not make opening statements.
The candidates will have two minutes to answer a question.
Then, there is a two-minute window for debate.
An additional minute can be used for clarification or a follow-up.
Trump prevailed in a virtual coin toss and chose to make the final closing statement.
Both closing statements will be two minutes long.
Harris and Trump’s microphones will be muted when their rival is speaking.
Neither candidate will be able to ask their opponent questions.
Both candidates can have a pen and some paper at their podiums.
But, they are unable to take pre-written notes into the contest.
There will be two commercial breaks but Trump and Harris’ campaign teams will not be able to give tips to their respective candidates.
Source: ABC News.
Additionally, an array of Trump supporters have been gathering outside a Center City hotel where Harris is staying.
“It’s a good day because the vice president is here and we’re trying to make our voice heard,” said protestor Tia Chao.
One civilian said the barricades have a “noticeable presence.”
“I’ve seen it. It’s a noticeable presence, you can actually feel it around,” Dwyane Monize told the outlet.
“I’m surprised they’re letting people walk as close as they are, but I definitely see the barricades. It’s been quite the experience.”
