Trump faces questions about rally violence at GOP debate

CHICAGO (AP) — As Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump attempts to unify a fractured GOP around his candidacy, images of his supporters attacking protesters and allegations that he's inciting violence are casting new attention on the divisive nature of his candidacy.

The first in St. Louis at the city's Peabody Opera House, the second at an arena at the University of Illinois at Chicago — a civil and immigrant rights organizing hub with large minority student populations.

Dozens of UIC faculty and staff petitioned university administrators to cancel the rally, citing concerns it would create a "hostile and physically dangerous environment" for students.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, student activists and longtime Chicago organizers are all planning to protest outside the university venue over issues that include what they called Trump's disparaging comments, particularly about Muslims and Mexicans.

Chicago police said they were coordinating with the Secret Service, university police and fire department officials on logistics

The renewed attention on Trump's rallies comes after a white Trump supporter was charged with assault Thursday after video showed him hitting a black man being escorted out of the venue by sheriff's deputies at a campaign rally Wednesday in North Carolina.