A planned Donald Trump rally in Chicago was postponed on Friday evening amid violent clashes between supporters and protesters, leading to numerous arrests. The decision, cited by the campaign as due to 'safety concerns', sparked chaos both inside the University of Illinois Chicago Pavilion and on the surrounding streets.
Scuffles broke out between Trump supporters, protesters, and police before the event was scheduled to begin. Demonstrators inside the venue shouted opposition to Trump's positions on immigration and race, while chants from both sides turned crude and vulgar. Police ejected several people and cleared sections of the arena, including many of Middle Eastern appearance.
After the postponement was announced, the arena erupted into further disorder. Supporters yelled 'We want Trump' while protesters chanted 'We shut it down' and waved signs for Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. Fights continued outside, with a standoff forming at a parking garage where Trump supporters reportedly spat on protesters below.
Trump, who arrived in Chicago shortly before the decision, told MSNBC: 'It's sad when you can't have a rally. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?' His campaign statement urged attendees to 'go in peace', but the Chicago Police Department emphasised it had no involvement in the cancellation.
The incident adds to a growing catalogue of violence at Trump events. Earlier on Friday, a Trump rally in St Louis saw over 30 arrests, and during that event Trump complained: 'Part of the problem is nobody wants to hurt each other any more. There used to be consequences.'
