London: Citing safety concerns, republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trum postponed his rally in Chicago at the last minute which provoked angry eruptions from the mixed crowd of anti-Trump protesters and supporters.
The rally was due to take place at the University of Illinois’ Chicago Pavilion
According to the Guardian, arrests were made following the clashes after which Trump told MSNBC, “We are not even allowed to have a rally anymore in this country. You can’t even have a rally in a major city in this country anymore without violence or the potential for violence. It’s sad when you can’t have a rally. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? The right to get together and speak in a peaceful manner?”
Violent scuffles broke out between Trump’s supporters, protesters and the police as the agitators crowded the sidewalks, pushing at barricades formed by police.
At the same time, a spontaneous blockade of a parking garage formed, creating a standoff between Trump’s supporters in the multi-level garage and screaming protesters on the ground below.
Inside the venue of the rally, protesters expressed their hostility to Trump’s positions on immigration, race and more while supporters shouted back.
After the postponement was announced, a Trump campaign statement said: “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.”
At the site of the Chicago rally, dozens of protesters, wearing shirts with slogans such as “Muslims united against Trump”, were kicked out of the site as attendees cursed and exchanged vulgar gestures. (ANI)