Trump Rally in Chicago Canceled Amid Safety Concerns
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump canceled his Friday night rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion, citing security concerns as thousands of protesters gathered outside and mixed with supporters inside.
Trump, speaking to MSNBC, said he thought it was a better idea to call off the rally than to “let people mix it up.”
“I didn’t want to see anybody get hurt,” said Trump, who insisted he could have held the rally. “I think we made the right move.”
Trump said he “can’t even have a rally in a major city anymore,” while suggesting the images from the protest broadcast nationally could lead to higher voter turnout Tuesday, when Illinois, Florida and Ohio have primary elections.
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In Chicago, more than 30 minutes after the event was scheduled to begin, a voice came over the sound system informing the thousands in attendance that the event had been postponed due to “security concerns.” Trump’s campaign later released a statement saying the event had been canceled “for the safety of all.”
Protesters inside the arena cheered. “We stopped Trump,” they chanted.
Officials moved to empty the arena with an announcement of “please exit the building” over the public-address system. Thousands of Trump backers and protesters filed out, joining the thousands of protesters outside. There were some clashes and pushing, images captured by cable news networks.
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In Chicago, doors opened at 3 p.m. for the event that had been scheduled to begin three hours later. As the arena filled, hundreds of young people, many of whom appeared to be students, filled sections toward the back.About 5:30 p.m. when two protesters were removed by security personnel, the size of the protest contingent became clear when they loudly chanted “Let them stay!” Trump’s supporters responded by chanting “USA! USA!”
The group continued to get louder, some tearing Trump banners in half as a group of five police officers began to remove some protesters one by one. Police appeared to handcuff one man before taking him out of the arena.
Shortly after, protesters emerged in a loud “f—- Trump,” including one woman who shouted while holding a sign that read “No Hate.” Trump supporters in the balcony threw debris at her.
After a few more protesters had been removed, tensions eased some as Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” played on loop and demonstrators and Trump backers waited for the candidate to arrive.
Then came the unexpected announcement that the event had been canceled.