San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo (D.) cast blame on Donald Trump for violence by anti-Trump protesters outside his rally Thursday night, telling the Associated Press that he "needs to take responsibility for the irresponsible behavior of his campaign."
Liccardo, who has endorsed Hillary Clinton, lauded the work of the local police, but he said Trump's presence in some cities served only to ignite anger. The AP reports:
"Our police officers have done an extremely courageous and professional job so far," San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo told the Associated Press by phone. "We're all still holding our breath to see the outcome of this dangerous and explosive situation."
The mayor, a Democrat and Hillary Clinton supporter, criticized Trump for coming to cities and igniting problems that local police departments have to deal with.
"At some point Donald Trump needs to take responsibility for the irresponsible behavior of his campaign," Liccardo said.
Trump supporters were assaulted and even pelted with eggs when they left a San Jose rally for the presumptive Republican nominee.
The crowd also stole Trump merchandise and set it on fire, and they yelled accusations of racism at Trump's backers.
Protesters cornering Trump supporters as they leave. This woman taunted them. They cornered her & threw eggs at her pic.twitter.com/MiDGDBkKIo
— Sara Murray (@SaraMurray) June 3, 2016
Watch: The moment a Trump supporter, surrounded by protesters, is egged in the face, hit by other food. pic.twitter.com/qYFdwJWvrS
— Jacob Rascon (@Jacobnbc) June 3, 2016
One Trump supporter told a news report that he had his Trump sign stolen and was then sucker-punched.
Protests have been a frequent sight outside of rallies for Trump, particularly by those upset by his views on immigration.
Raw video: Fighting continues in streets following @realDonaldTrump rally in San Jose. pic.twitter.com/PR9zaAzZKy
— M. Scott Mahaskey (@smahaskey) June 3, 2016
More fighting. This guy is bleeding from the face pic.twitter.com/eRpglVqhE0
— Nicky Woolf (@NickyWoolf) June 3, 2016