{UAH} Allan/Pojim/WBK: Trump Chicago rally postponed amid scenes of chaos | POLITICO
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Trump Chicago rally postponed amid scenes of chaos
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.
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