NBC News: Trump Rally in Chicago Postponed After Clashes
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A Donald Trump rally in Chicago was called off Friday after protests and clashes erupted even before the controversial candidate took the stage.
Punches were seen being thrown inside the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion Friday. Demonstrators held up anti-Trump signs and tussled with supporters.
The crowd was notified that the event was postponed by an announcement over a loudspeaker. "Mr. Trump just arrived in Chicago, and after meeting with law enforcement has determined that for the safety of all the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and around the arena, tonight's rally will be postponed until another date. Thank you very much for your attendance. And please go in peace."
Some in the crowd were heard yelling "We did it! We did it!" after the rally was called off for the evening. Large groups were seen clashing outside the venue, with police appearing to try and break it up.
Trump told MSNBC in a telephone interview Friday evening, "I just don't want to see people hurt. We can come back and do it another time."
Trump said "there's a lot of anger in this country," but said he didn't believe it was directed necessarily at him or his campaign or his campaign, but over larger issues. "I've never seen anything like it, and this has been going on for years," Trump said.
"On one side you have people that haven't had a pay increase in 10 years, frankly, and the businesses are moving out of the country and they're upset and they're angry," Trump said. "And on the other side you have people that feel differently about other elements, and you know, it all comes together.
"There's a lot of anger in the country and it's very sad to see, actually," Trump said.
Trump has made controversial comments about immigration from Mexico and Muslims. Trump was criticized recently for not immediately disavowing David Duke on a Sunday talk show after the former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard endorsed his campaign; Trump later claimed his earpiece was not working properly.
Protesters began getting escorted out of Friday's rally about an hour before it was scheduled to start, NBC Chicago reported. Three people removed were wearing shirts that read "Muslims United Against Trump" and "Make America Hate Again." Another unfurled a banner that read "Trump = Hate."
Questions have been raised in recent days after a man at a Trump rally sucker-punched a protester leaving an event in North Carolina, and after a Breitbart reporter accused Trump's campaign manager grabbing her hard enough to cause a bruise. The campaign manager has denied the claim.
Earlier Friday at a rally in St. Louis, Trump was repeatedly interrupted by protesters. A total of 32 people were arrested at the event at the Peabody Opera House, police said.
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