In response to escalating threats of violence ahead of the inauguration of President Biden, Airbnb has canceled all reservations in the Washington D.C. area for the week of the event. Following the violent events at the Capitol on January 6, extremist groups have reportedly been planning similar disruptions during the inauguration, prompting Airbnb to take action.
“We have been made aware of reports concerning armed militias and known hate groups aiming to travel and disrupt the Inauguration,” an Airbnb spokesperson stated on January 13, 2021. The company has also conducted investigations to identify users who participated in the Capitol riots, banning those associated with hate groups or criminal activities from their platform.
Beyond canceling all current bookings, Airbnb has also suspended future reservations in the D.C. area for that week. The same measures are being implemented on Hotel Tonight. Hosts affected by these cancellations will be compensated by Airbnb for lost earnings.
While the company has not disclosed the total number of canceled bookings, a quick search for January 20 reveals limited availability in locations just outside D.C. This raises questions about how far the restrictions extend into nearby areas. Airbnb representatives have indicated that these listings are in the process of being removed.
The reality is unsettling: individuals with violent intentions could easily secure accommodations in the area. D.C. officials have urged visitors to refrain from traveling during the inauguration, but threats from extremist groups remain. Furthermore, major hotel chains like Marriott have not followed Airbnb’s lead in canceling reservations.
Local officials are also encouraging residents to halt all short-term rentals in the area, whether through traditional means or platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. As the inauguration approaches, hopefully more safety measures will be implemented to protect the nation’s capital.
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Summary
Airbnb has canceled all bookings in the D.C. area for the inauguration week due to threats of violence from extremist groups. The company is compensating hosts for lost earnings and has banned users connected to the Capitol riots. D.C. officials are advising against travel during this time.