The raucous scuffle that forced Donald Trump to postpone his campaign event in Chicago on Friday is heightening concerns about the violence-inducing environment at the Republican presidential front-runner’s rallies.
Clashes erupted when Trump’s campaign managers asked thousands of his supporters at the University of Illinois to leave the arena due to security concerns.
The angry rally-goers gathered inside and outside the arena and then confronted several hundred anti-Trump protesters, blaming them for the cancellation. Five people were arrested and two police officers were injured in the scuffle.
Earlier in the day, Trump was interrupted by protesters several times during a rally in St. Louis, Missouri. It led to at least one injury and 32 arrests.
Trump defended his supporters, encouraging them to attack protesters if they provoke violence.
Protesters have been beaten, shoved, kicked and verbally abused during many of Trump’s events.
“Part of the…