Election Violence Fears Rise: California Prepares For Civil Unrest; Walmart Pulls Guns From Stores

California Governor Gavin Newson said Thursday that they are preparing for possible civil unrest on Election Day amid the rising tensions due to the coronavirus pandemic, voter suppression, and an emotional presidential race.

The governor did not elaborate on what actions they may take to brace for potential protests following the release of election results. However, he said the state is prepared to address different scenarios that may occur, Politico reported.

"As it relates to making sure people are safe, making sure not only the process of voting is a safe and healthy one, but keeping people safe after the election for whatever may occur, the answer is yes, we are always gaming out different scenarios and making sure that we are prepared," Newsom said.

The governor's statement comes as Walmart began removing guns and ammunition from the floor of its stores. The major retailer cited civil unrest incidents due to the racial tension across the country as the reason for the move.

Walmart took similar action in June after "Black Lives Matter" demonstrations turned violent in some cities, with many looting retail giants. While guns and ammunition would not be available on sales floors, they could still be purchased at the stores, Buzzfeed News reported.

"We have seen some isolated civil unrest, and as we have done on several occasions over the last few years, we have moved our firearms and ammunition off the sales floor as a precaution for the safety of our associates and customers," the statement read.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg also cited steps the social media platform has taken in response to the possibility of civil unrest. During a call discussing the company's earnings, he said they had implemented precautions, such as blocking ads that delegitimize the election results, providing Facebook users with information about the election, and banning content focused on the QAnon conspiracy theory, CNBC reported.

"This is not a shift in our underlying philosophy or strong support of free expression. Instead, it is a reflection of the increased risk of violence and unrest," Zuckerburg said.

The move comes after many voters, especially people of color, have reportedly experienced a wide range of tactics to suppress their votes.

On Oct. 21, voters in St. Petersburg, Florida, said two armed guards — a man and a woman — stood outside an early voting site. Local media reports claimed the Trump campaign hired them, but a spokesperson for the president denied any connections with the armed guards.

Voters wearing masks and shirts that stated "Black Lives Matter" also said they were turned away at voting sites in Tennessee and Georgia.

Residents in Detroit, New York, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania reportedly received false robocalls that warned they would face debt collection and forced vaccination if they voted by mail, USA Today reported. Authorities have arrested two conservative operators responsible for the incident.