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In early 2024, the Washington Post reported that violent political threats were surging. Studies also show that threats and harassment against local officials continue to be on the rise. As we near the election, we can expect the political environment to grow more intense with ramped-up coverage and voters and campaigns striving for attention.
As a business leader, it is imperative to stay connected to the shifting political landscape and the corresponding impact. Current events can escalate suddenly, and nowhere is that more apparent than during an election year when emotions run high.
Helping our clients manage risk and plan for and mitigate disruption becomes crucial, especially for some key industries that are particularly vulnerable in the month leading up to the election.
Industries At Risk
While risk can emerge from any sector, the following industries may face acute risk this election season:
Hospitality Industry Security
The hospitality industry is not often considered a hotbed for political violence, but with political candidates on the move across countries, states, and communities, there is increased concern in this sector. From hometown restaurants to hotels and conference centers, spaces that host candidates or are part of large-scale gatherings face unique risks.
Furthermore, if hospitality groups have a polarizing person or group staying at their properties, they could draw an attack from a group or individual with an opposing viewpoint. It’s important to be aware of which groups and organizations are booking rooms at your hotels so that you are not blindsided by the potential for significant damage. Assessing risk ahead of time to mitigate these unfortunate incidents is key. Working with a trusted security partner like Pinkerton can help organizations identify potential threats and design a plan to deal with them.
Event Management and Risk Assessment
As event marketers and managers curate events on behalf of their clients, it’s important to be aware of the repercussions that can arise from events that might draw bad actors or put controversial individuals in front of a crowd. Staying up on current topics is also vital. Some individuals come pre-packaged with controversy, so knowing who those players are will give you insight into their intentions and whether you can expect disruption if they show up in person.
Manufacturing Facility Threats
Manufacturing facilities are a big draw for candidates seeking to court voters from this sector. Manufacturing plants also offer a highly visual backdrop for media opportunities. When people who might be considered firebrands take the stage and get a crowd fired up, it raises the potential for incidents that disrupt business operations.
If an event is taking place at a headquarters or a manufacturing facility, there is a real risk for an incident to occur, requiring an extra level of care to prevent a tragic incident.
Retail Risk Assessments
Retailers are often directly in the crosshairs of criminality — whether organized theft or a spark event that turns into something larger. During periods of unrest and political violence, big-box stores that supply basic needs and luxury items are common targets for looting. Because of the unpredictable nature of these threats, it’s important to have a plan in place to address emergencies and incidents of violence.
Run a Social Media Analysis
Social media is the most common tool used by groups wishing to cause disruption or chaos. It’s easier than ever to organize a meetup of like-minded people and create disruption, so having a team to monitor social media and analyze possible risks is crucial.
When it comes to threats, it is always best to be proactive, but many business leaders are forced to react to an adverse event they did not anticipate. Tapping an experienced security partner can help to identify these threats in advance. Trained experts can closely monitor social media feeds for early warning signs and analyze these to determine the risk to organizations.
In an ever-changing risk landscape, it is essential to have a clear and proactive threat management plan in place. Pinkerton draws on nearly two centuries of expertise to help clients take a comprehensive total risk perspective to protect people and property, including during times of escalated threat.
