Law enforcement and other first responders in Bloomington-Normal are making preparations for election day and whatever may happen afterward.
“It’s obviously been one of those issues that we’ve been concerned about since the last election,” said Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff, noting that while the Jan. 6, 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol wasn’t local, it still served as a reminder that elections can turn violent.
Woodruff said his department has participated in a series of tabletop training exercises over the last six months with other emergency responders in Bloomington-Normal, elections officers and homeland security. He said they are planning for just about anything.
“[From] the most likely scenario of a power outage, which at our polling location [at Bone Student Center] could complicate things, all the way up to worst-care scenario is bomb threats and things like that,” Woodruff said.
Then there is what could happen after the election. There could be cause for celebration or ange — likely both.
Town of Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli said he doesn't anticipate unrest, but said his department is ready if it happens.
“Our community remains safe and if we are needed to intervene, our folks have received the proper training to do so,” Petrilli said.
Bloomington Police Department spokesperson Bryce Janssen said the department isn't aware of any threats of violence, but plans to monitor any large gatherings that might develop.
“Anytime we have a gathering of people of that magnitude, we encourage officers to spend a little extra time in that area, whether it be completing paperwork in a nearby location or just driving through more frequently and making their presence known,” said Janssen, adding BPD is prepared to call in extra help or rely on mutual aid from other agencies if necessary.
Woodruff said gatherings were small and peaceful after the 2020 presidential election, which took four days before Joe Biden was declared the winner. That also came when many people largely avoided large gatherings due to the COVID pandemic.
He noted opposing political factions engaged one another shortly after Donald Trump was declared the winner in 2016, and while tempers may have flared, the incident did not turn violent.
Woodruff said ISU also has its demonstration safety team, with university administrators trained on First Amendment rights and de-escalation to intervene.
“We have protests on campus pretty regularly,” said Woodruff.
