'Unprecedented' fears of post-election violence grip Democrats: report

Lawmakers from both parties are worried about the possibility for violence in the post-election period, but their specific concerns split along partisan lines.

Democrats believe it's inevitable that Donald Trump would again challenge the results if he loses, and they're concerned about their personal safety if he does, while Republicans are more focused on crushing potentially violent protests if he wins, reported Axios.

"Members are talking amongst ourselves about making sure people are safe, making sure their families are safe," said Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), "and what the protocols and procedures are."

One House Democrat told Axios they were "extremely" concerned about post-election violence and had hired six state troopers to provide security for their Election Night event, while another said Secret Service enhancements to Capitol security were evident when lawmakers left for recess in September.

"What I saw in terms of security was unprecedented," said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH).

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Most members expressed fears about the congressional certification of the election on Jan. 6, but some worried about security during the vote-counting process immediately after Election Day on Nov. 5.

"It's going to take some time to process ballots," said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI). "So there's a lot of concern about those several days that follow the election ... about security, but also just about the ramped up rhetoric that we all expect."

Republicans, however, claim the biggest threat for violence will come from the political left being unwilling to accept a second Trump presidency.

Governors should have their national guard units "ready to go on a moment's notice to quell any type of civil unrest," said Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), and "they better have [the Capitol] locked down" on Inauguration Day.

More than 200 demonstrators were arrested for violently protesting Trump's inauguration in January 2017, and Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) believes "there's a very good chance they will do it again," and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) agrees.

"The likelihood of violence "is higher if Trump wins," Bacon said. "Like we saw on Jan. 20, 2017."

Some lawmakers fear violence is inevitable regardless of what happens next Tuesday.

"If [Trump] wins, he and his violent supporters will be emboldened, and if he loses, I worry they will be worse than four years ago," said Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL). "I think about it a lot."