GOP front-runner Donald Trump has been criticized for not condemning his supporters who use physical violence against protesters at his rallies. On Friday, Mr. Trump insinuated that he enjoys the brawls and said he would defend his supporters in court cases.
When a protester interrupted his speech at a rally in Michigan, he encouraged his audience members to force the protester out.
“Get him out,” Mr. Trump said, CBS reported. “Try not to hurt him. If you do, I’ll defend you in court.”
He then asked the crowd, “Are Trump rallies the most fun? We’re having a good time.”
The billionaire real estate mogul said he was tired of the “political correctness,” when it came to handling protests at his campaign events.
Mr. Trump recalled another incident at a New Hampshire valley where a protester started “swinging and punching,” and he said some people in the audience “took him out.”
“It was really amazing to watch,” he said, CBS reported.
Police are currently investigating at least two reports of assault at a Trump rally in Kentucky this week. In one instance, captured on video, a young black woman was repeatedly shoved by protesters as they called her derogatory names.
At least one of Mr. Trump’s supporters who assaulted the woman, Joseph Pryor, was punished for the incident when he was discharged from the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program after bragging about his involvement in the assault online.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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