CHICAGO: A campaign rally of US presidential candidate Donald Trump scheduled for Friday night in Chicago was called off as the crowd of thousands who gathered, including both supporters of the Republican front-runner and those who came to protest his candidacy, grew rowdy.

A Trump staffer took the stage nearly a half hour after the rally was slated to begin and told the crowd that the event would be postponed for safety reasons. He did not say when or if it would be rescheduled.

After the announcement was made, the crowd began to chant and cheer. Scuffles broke out as signs were ripped from hands and police moved in to break up areas with the most serious conflicts.

“We dumped Trump! We dumped Trump!” could be heard inside the University of Chicago pavilion where the event was held.

“We want Trump! We want Trump!” was yelled by an opposing group.