Donald Trump has called off a rally in Chicago on the grounds of safety after widespread protests led to violent clashes.
The billionaire tycoon was forced to cancel the event due to security concerns, raising important questions about his ability to dampen an increasingly hate filled atmosphere, of his own making
Anti-Trump protest getting even bigger #TrumpRallyChi // via ABC sky cam pic.twitter.com/SJ2ANET1yO
— dope, it’s tom (@DOPEITSTOM) March 12, 2016
A similar rally earlier in St. Louis, Missouri lead to protests and violence.
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A statement from the republican front-runners campaign said that Trump decided to cancel the event after a meeting with police.
Massive crowds had gathered both inside and outside the venue at the University of Illinois hours before Trump was due.
Anti-Trump protesters at the Chicago event held signs referencing the GOP frontrunner’s comments about race, Muslims, Latinos, and others. Others signs read “dump Trump” and “stop hate.”
The BBC reports: Inside the auditorium, fighting broke out between supporters and protesters, who waved flags and chanted.
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.”
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”.
The decision to cancel the event comes as Trump finds himself at the centre of mounting controversy over violence and the apparent targeting of African-Americans at his rallies.
Niamh Harris