CHICAGO, March 11 (UPI) — A campaign rally in Chicago Friday evening for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was postponed out of security concerns, according to a campaign spokesman.
Trump’s campaign issued a statement saying it canceled the event after the GOP candidate met with law enforcement officials upon his arrival in Chicago earlier Friday. A similar rally in St. Louis was followed by protests and physical altercations.
“Mr. Trump … 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 statement said. “Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace.”
Dozens of protesters also showed up at the Chicago rally site on the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus, many cheering upon hearing of the event’s cancellation.
Scuffles between Trump supporters and demonstrators were even reportedly seen after the postponement was announced, WGN-TV reported — while supporters chanted, “We want Trump!”
Nearly three dozen people were arrested earlier Friday at a Trump rally in St. Louis. Thirty-one were charged with disturbing the peace and one with third-degree assault.
It was not immediately known when the rally would be rescheduled. Illinois will hold its Democratic and Republican primaries on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day Trump hinted that he would skip a planned GOP debate scheduled for Salt Lake City March 21.
