Airbnb canceling reservations in DC during inauguration week

Online home rental platform Airbnb announced Wednesday it would preemptively cancel all reservations in the Washington, D.C. area for the next week as a precautionary measure.

Airbnb made the call after discussions with local leaders and law enforcement officials over the potential of violent demonstrations in the lead up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

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

In addition to local police presence, 20,000 National Guard members will be deployed in D.C. until the transition of power is completed.

Airbnb also announced previously that it would permanently ban any individuals associated with last week’s violent riot at the Capitol from renting on its platform.