News / Politics

Violence erupts as Trump fans clash with protesters in Chicago

Saturday, 12 March 2016 2:20 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 12 March 2016 4:00 AM ]

A Trump supporter (R) yells at a demonstrator (L) after Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump cancelled his rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago March 11, 2016.

US Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has canceled his event in Chicago, Illinois due to security concerns, as his supporters came to blows with a group of protesters censuring his candidacy.

The clashes erupted Friday when Trump campaign managers asked thousands of his supporters at the University of Illinois to leave the arena due to security concerns.

"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," the Trump campaign said in a statement. "Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace."

Thousands of angry rally-goers gathered inside and outside the arena and then confronted several hundred anti-Trump protesters, blaming them for the cancellation.

Several fistfights were reported between the two groups before a large contingent of Chicago police officers moved in to restore order.

Supporters of Trump, who were still inside, chanted, "We want Trump" after the event was canceled, while protesters responded by shouting, "We stumped Trump."

Some protesters were being detained and forcefully carried out, according to CNN, which also estimated there were between 8,500 to 10,000 people in the Chicago arena when tensions erupted into chaos.

In news footage, police forces could be seen wearing body armor while escorting groups of people out of the building.

At least 3 people were injured in the violence, including one police officer, the Chicago Fire Department said.

This was the second Trump rally that was disrupted on Friday, only four days before Illinois holds its Republican primary. Earlier in the day the former reality TV star was interrupted by protesters several times during a rally in St. Louis, Missouri.

The brash New York businessman seems to be on a relentless path to his party's nomination for the November election, having won most of the primary contests so far.

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