Trump didn’t ‘want to see people hurt’ at rally

CHICAGO (ABC News) — Donald Trump said he postponed his rally tonight at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion because he feared for those gathered.

“I just felt for the benefit of safety, I don’t want to see people hurt. I cancelled it for tonight,” Trump told MSNBC.

“You can’t have a rally in major city in this country anymore without violence or potential violence,” he added. “I didn’t want to see the real violence. That’s why I decided the call it off. I met with law enforcement. I decided not to do it. It’s very tough.”

Trump continued: “We have a country that is so divided, that maybe you don’t even understand. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I don’t think it’s directed at me or anybody,” Trump argued. “It’s directed at what’s going on for years. It’s on both sides.”

At his campaign rally tonight, several thousand protesters gathered outside the pavilion.

Donald Trump’s Chicago rally Friday night was postponed as large crowds of supporters and protesters gathered outside.

“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 until another date,” the announcement said. “Thank you very much for you attendance and please go in peace.”

Following the announcement, some of the crowd could be heard cheering.

Trump’s earlier campaign rally today in St. Louis, Missouri was interrupted several times and marked by clashes outside between Trump supporters and protesters. One arrest was made.

Trump has been dealing with a number of interruptions from protesters nearly every day. More recently at a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, an attendee, John Franklin McGraw, allegedly punched a protester who was being escorted out.

While the crowds waited for Trump, an announcement was made instructing the crowd on what to do if a protest breaks out.

“Mr. Trump will continue his lifelong defense of the right of free speech in America. As a matter of fact he supports the First Amendment just as much as he supports the Second Amendment. However some people have taken advantage of Mr. Trump’s hospitality by choosing to disrupt his rallies by using them as an opportunity to promote their own political messages. While they certainly have the right to free speech this is private event paid for by Mr. Trump,” the announcement said.

“If a protester started demonstrating in the area around you please do not touch or harm the protester. This is a peaceful rally. In order to notify the law enforcement officers of the location of the protesters please hold a rally sign over your head and start chanting “Trump.'”