Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, canceled a campaign event Friday night (3/11/2016) in Chicago after his supporters clashed with protestors.
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump canceled a campaign rally in Chicago on Friday night amid safety concerns after a series of clashes inside the arena.
Trump, the billionaire businessman and former Atlantic City casino magnate, had planned to speak to a large crowd at the University of Illinois at Chicago pavilion.
His supporters were heard chanting "We Want Trump!" after the announcement, even as Chicago police moved people out of the arena.
Video of officer apparently injured at the protests tonight in Chicago https://t.co/NngQsu0xCF
-- Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) March 12, 2016
As people spilled out of the arena, thousands gathered outside.
Jake Carpenter, a photojournalist, told CNN "there are people as far as I can see," outside the arena.
Aerial photos showed people lined up on both sides of the street. "I'm not seeing any supporters for Trump out here," Carpenter said. Instead, he said, the crowd was largely comprised of Bernie Sanders supporters and others who were protesting against Trump.
Massive protests shut down Trump rally: https://t.co/wR33BaaiqS pic.twitter.com/3vrQC4QjJJ
-- The Hill (@thehill) March 12, 2016
The Trump camp released the following statement:
"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."
As is common with many of Trump's events, people had been lining up throughout the day to get into the event. Some anti-Trump protesters were removed ahead of Trump's arrival, according to local media reports.
During the 12th Republican presidential debate Thursday, Trump was questioned about the tone of some of his rallies, which have sometimes seen violence among members of the crowd. Trump stopped short in his remarks of condemning behavior many have called racists and intimidating.
As of 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. Eastern time), Chicago police said there had not been any arrests.
Here's what it was like inside the Chicago Trump rally after word of its cancellation.
-- NBC News (@NBCNews) March 12, 2016
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