Due to security concerns and a large protest against the Republican front-runner, Donald Trump's campaign has canceled his rally this evening at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Thousands of protesters clashed with backers of Trump near the arena. Security could be seen escorting people out of the arena and were breaking up fist fights.
"Mr. Trump just arrived in Chicago and after meeting with law enforcement has determined that for the safety of all the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and around the arena, tonight's rally will be postponed to another date," Trump's campaign said in a statement. "Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace."
Gov. Kasich's statement on tonight's events in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/5viJndjKu6
— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) March 12, 2016
The planned rally was planned just four days before a huge Illinois primary.
Marco Rubio responded to the protests Friday, saying, ""We are entering a kind of disturbing moment in our political discourse in this country that is reaching a boiling point that I believe has very significant repercussions, not just for this election, but for the future of this country. I mean, we are being ripped apart at the seams as a nation and as a people right now."
Trump's next rally is in Dayton, Ohio Saturday morning. Ohio is also hosting a critical primary on Tuesday. Trump is neck-and-neck in the polls with the state's governor John Kasich. Ohio is a winner-take-all primary.
Crowd now chanting "Bernie! Bernie!" at Donald Trump's postponed rally in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/UoX27nVS2I
— Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) March 12, 2016
"We stopped Trump!" is the chant now at his canceled rally in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/85BjxfyjS2
— Bill Ruthhart (@BillRuthhart) March 12, 2016
