Yesterday protesters galvanized in Chicago, causing Donald Trump to cancel a scheduled rally. Initially, the scene was no different than any other Trump rally across the United States. Supporters of Trump, lined up in droves, came to witness their candidate speak about America becoming “great again.” The difference with this rally is that just as many Trump detractors were present to counter his veiled messages of hatred. Trump’s most recent rally in North Carolina resulted in a Black man being sucker punched by a 78 year old white man as he was being escorted out. You can hear Trump telling the man to leave and “go back home to your mommy” as the police tackle the man who was assaulted. A Black teenage female was pushed and shoved around by multiple men as she was being escorted out of a Trump rally in Louisville, Kentucky. The sinister mood at these rallies is heightened by Trump’s rhetoric which represents fuel to encourage his supporters to act in the violent manner that they have repeatedly demonstrated.
The latest Chicago rally proved to be a different stage for Trump as organized groups settled inside and outside of the venue ready to protest against Trumps messages of hate. Tensions were high and, as expected, Trump supporters and detractors clashed. There were a few skirmishes. Community activist, Jedidiah Brown, rushed the podium and was forcibly removed. The evening finally came to a head when it was announced that Trump would not be speaking at the rally and that it was “postponed.” This news was met with cheers and sneers.
Trumps competition wasted no time in responding. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, also in Chicago Friday night, told reporters that the Trump campaign created “an environment that only encourages this nasty discord.”
Chicago police were out in full force working to minimize violent encounters. At this time, no announcements have been made as to when (or if) Trump will reschedule his rally in Chicago.
