Trump rally cancelled amid huge protests

by Lisa Hagen - 03/11/16 7:30 PM ET

#Breaking: Donald Trump's campaign rally in Chicago postponed amid growing security concerns https://t.co/UYpqI3w42L https://t.co/kAvq9PMqud

— CNN (@CNN) March 12, 2016

Donald Trump’s rally in Chicago was called off Friday night amid huge protests against him.

A Trump campaign staffer took the stage, about 30 minutes after the rally was supposed to start at 7 p.m., and said that Trump had just arrived to Chicago.

He said the rally would be postponed because of security concerns.

The crowd erupted into screams and boos.

His campaign released a 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.”

Anti-Trump protest getting even bigger #TrumpRallyChi // via ABC sky cam pic.twitter.com/SJ2ANET1yO

— dope, it’s tom (@DOPEITSTOM) March 12, 2016

Video footage from inside the venue showed many people remaining inside after the announcement, and several physical altercations broke out.

An African-American man at one point took the stage, shouting back at supporters on the floor, before being escorted out by security.

“We stopped Trump!” is the chant now at his canceled rally in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/85BjxfyjS2

— Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) March 12, 2016

Police had the venue mostly cleared by about 8 p.m. Fox News reported that Trump is back at his hotel and will be leaving for Ohio on Saturday.

The large protests come on the heels of a Trump rally earlier this week where a man was charged with assault and battery after video surfaced showing him punching a man in the face.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was quick to denounce the violence that occurs at Trump rallies, and his GOP rivals also expressed concerns at Thursday night’s GOP debate.

The real estate mogul himself on Thursday night said he doesn’t “condone” the violent behavior at his campaign events.

Trump supporters leaving UIC after he canceled are on the left and protestors are on the right pic.twitter.com/HiehdUP3EI

— Jessyca Malina (@jessycamalina) March 12, 2016

Tags Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Illinois