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Donald Trump's Chicago rally canceled

Posted at 7:48 PM, Mar 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-12 10:00:22-05

Due to security concerns and a large protests 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."

Shortly after the announcement, Trump told CNN's Don Lemon that he didn't want to see anyone hurt. Trump added that he would be willing to meet with protesters, but only if the meeting was in good faith. 

"Some of them make protesting their career," Trump said. "Protesting is a business to them... I know more about protesters than you'll ever know. I have been having protesters my whole life."

The planned rally was planned just four days before a huge Illinois primary. 

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.