In ABC’s video of the incident, the man can be seen grabbing at other protesters as they are removed from the stadium.
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A frenzied Donald Trump supporter grabbed a protester by the neck before punching him in the face at a North Carolina campaign rally Monday evening.
The violence ensued as Trump criticized Clinton for her statement that half of his supporters belong in “a basket of deplorables” and the protester reportedly made an inappropriate gesture directed at the media mogul.
Trump was interrupted several times by protesters. Also tried hitting a second protester. She later said she regretted saying that “half” of them were in that group.
After the protesters were ejected, the Trump supporter extended his arms, raising his clenched fists like a victorious boxer. The staffer did not ask the supporter to leave the rally.
The unidentified man was allowed to remain for the rest of the rally, and Asheville police did not immediately return NBC News’ request for comment on why the aggressive man was allowed to remain inside after his actions.
The altercation is not the first incident of violence at a Trump rally.
At a Republican presidential debate in March, the brash billionaire said he doesn’t condone violence at his rallies, but at a previous event a month prior, Trump said of a protester: “I’d like to punch him in the face”.
“Our vision of hope stands in stark contrast to my opponent’s campaign of hate”, Trump said.
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“In the old days”, Trump added then, protesters would be “carried out on a stretcher”.
