Mar 11, 2016 CHICAGO — A Donald Trump rally grew contentious even before the Republican presidential frontrunner stepped into the University of Illinois at Chicago pavilion, when an entire section revealed itself to be protesters. More than 30 minutes after the event was supposed to start, someone announced from the lecturn that the event was being canceled for safety considerations. The group of dozens of protesters, some wearing “Black Lives Matter” shirts, had stood and chanted “Let him stay! Let him stay!” as security personnel removed an African American male from the building at another side of the arena. Across the aisles, Trump supporters chanted “USA! USA!” Later, during another ejection, the protesters chanted, “Shame on you! Shame on you!” A Trump announcement early on instructed supporters not to take matters into their own hands. “Please do not touch the protester,” an announcement overhead said. Instead, supporters were to chant "Trump! Trump!" until security personnel were able to remove the demonstrator. The rally took on the feel of a soccer match in which fans of both sides were allowed into the same stadium. One African American male stood up and tore a Trump sign in half. Earlier, several males wearing shirts reading "Muslims united against Trump" were removed. As another male was being escorted up an aisle, he hoisted a sign that simply read: "1492." The Trump announcement praised the candidate, characterizing him as a fierce supporter of the First Amendment, but described the event as privately paid for by Trump. At that, supporters loudly cheered. After the cancelation was announced, the Trump campaign released the following 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. "Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace." NOTE: This article has been updated with the Trump campaign's statement.
Mar 11, 2016 Lol hardly. Trump is a leading presidential candidate. He's had the media spotlight for the past 8 months now. No one is silencing him.
Mar 11, 2016 lol you know what thread you are in? "protesters shut down trump rally" This is a violation of the first amendment, you cant spin it
Mar 11, 2016 disgraceful chicago is what is wrong with america atm Whats are they gonna do if he wins? protest the election?
Mar 11, 2016 He chose to shut it down. That was completely his decision. Lol @ thinking trump can't call in a national press conference whenever he wants. No one is silencing him.
Mar 11, 2016 what are you talking about? if he was to speak there would have been 10x the violence Come on dude.
Mar 11, 2016 Maybe. Maybe not. Let's not act like this is a first time occurrence lol. Violence at trump rallies is the norm and he's carried on through it in the past.
Mar 11, 2016 yeah but its not nearly this bad. and this is obviously being perpetuated by the protesters
Mar 11, 2016 Check out the Missouri incidents today then read this again, there was a high chance of violence happening at this one
Mar 11, 2016 this is a clear violation of the first amendment sure they have a right to protest, but going in to the arena and making an effort to shut it down. Come awn. They cheer the fact it was shut down
