Washington, D.C.—Today, Correct The Record Communications Director Elizabeth Shappell released the following statement on Donald Trump’s rally in Asheville, North Carolina:
“Tonight’s violent, chaotic rally demonstrates just how dangerous Donald Trump’s divisive campaign has become. Violence at an American political rally is not normal, but it’s become all too common when Donald Trump’s at the front of the room. For more than a year, Trump had made bigotry and white nationalism mainstream. This ugly, bigoted rhetoric has incited a level of violence rarely seen in modern American politics. Trump has attacked Gold Star families, the military, our veterans, immigrants, American Muslims and communities of color—and failed to apologize for any of it. Just a few hours ago, Trump’s running mate Mike Pence refused to call former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke ‘deplorable.’ Trump styles himself as a populist unifier, but tonight he offered only dangerous rhetoric that threatens America’s deepest values.”
WATCH: Man slaps several protesters as they are being escorted out of @realDonaldTrump rally in Asheville, NC. pic.twitter.com/KMKCDvIar4
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 12, 2016
Pic of man who was hit and choked tonight at Trump rally in Asheville pic.twitter.com/lwtmgSuSK0
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) September 12, 2016
Man holding up confederate flag after Trump rally in Asheville pic.twitter.com/qxTvwX1f3y
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) September 12, 2016
Wow, Guy in crowd just hits male protester in the face, tries to slap female protester at Trump rally
— Candace Smith (@CandaceSmith_) September 12, 2016
A Trump supporter just grabbed a protester by the neck, then appeared to punch him. Also tried hitting a second protester. He is still here
— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) September 12, 2016
Protesters being removed from rafters, flipping Trump the bird. Once security gets there, belligerent Trump fan slaps back of one's head.
— Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) September 12, 2016
Trump supporter just smacked a protester in crowd
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) September 12, 2016
Couple protesters thus far – looked like one supporter hit a protester in the stands. This feels like a rally last fall
— John Santucci (@JTSantucci) September 12, 2016
A Trump supporter just grabbed a protester by the neck then punched him. Protester escorted out, man stayed.
— Ali Vitali (@alivitali) September 12, 2016