TRUMP
CALLS OFF CHICAGO RALLY FOLLOWING VIOLENT CLASHES
Donald Trump
has called off a rally in Chicago after protests against the Republican
presidential front-runner led to violent clashes.
Hundreds of
protesters gathered outside the venue at the University of Illinois hours
before Mr Trump was due.
Inside the
auditorium, fighting broke out between supporters and protesters, who waved
flags and chanted.
A statement
from Mr Trump's campaign said the candidate decided to postpone the event after
meeting with police.
But a
Chicago Police Department spokesman said the force was not consulted in the
decision to postpone the rally.
At the rally
there were chants for Mr Trump from his supporters and for Democratic candidate
Bernie Sanders from some of the protesters.
There were
several violent clashes, some sparked by Trump supporters attempting to wrestle
flags from protesters.
One
protester had to be physically removed from the stage by what appeared to be a
Secret Service agent.
Violent
clashes continued outside the venue, with helicopter footage showing chaotic
scenes as police attempted to control the large crowds.
The full
statement from Mr Trump's campaign read: "Mr. Trump just arrived in
Chicago and after meeting with law enforcement has determined that for the
safety of all of the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and
around the arena, tonight's rally will be postponed to another date.
"Thank
you very much for your attendance and please go in peace."
Speaking to
Fox News after the events, Mr Trump denied using hate speech or playing any
part in fostering division.
"I
represent a large group of people that have a lot of anger," he said.
"There is tremendous anger out there on both sides."
Discussing
the decision to cancel the rally, he said: "I think it was a very good
thing we did, I think it was an intelligent decision."
Staff at the
university had earlier petitioned administrators to cancel the rally, citing
concerns it would create a "hostile and physically dangerous
environment" for students.
Earlier on
Friday, 32 people were arrested after protests at a rally held by Mr Trump
rally in St Louis, Missouri.
Mr Trump was
repeatedly interrupted by the protesters, who he called a "disgrace".
These latest
clashes come just a day after a Trump supporter was charged with assault after
multiple videos showed him punching a protester at a campaign rally in North
Carolina.
The
billionaire later said that the supporter's actions were
"appropriate".
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