Airbnb canceling reservations in Washington, DC during inauguration week

Airbnb announced Wednesday that it is canceling all Washington, D.C. metro area reservations during the week of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration amid concerns of potentially violent demonstrations.

The online rental company explained that the decision to cancel the reservations was made after discussions with local leaders and law enforcement officials.

Reservations previously made during the time period will be fully refunded. Any new attempted reservations will be blocked.

Airbnb said Tuesday that it was reviewing reservations in light of last week’s insurrection at the Capitol. Supporters of President Trump marched on Capitol Hill after he spoke to them in an effort to stop the certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s win. The House is expected to impeach Trump on Wednesday over his role in the riot. 

Airbnb also announced previously that it would permanently ban any individuals associated with the violent riot from renting on its platform.

Federal and local law enforcement have signaled that they will be on high alert in the run-up to the inauguration based on threats of violence that have been found online.