Trump claims 5K murders in Chicago during Obama presidency - that's incorrect
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump fundraised in Chicago and held a rally in Indiana with Gov. Mike Pence, one week before the Republican National Convention is set to begin.
Trump held a rally in Westerfield, Ind., where he was introduced by Gov. Pence. After declaring "We can make America great again!" Pence said to look no further than the state to his west to see what this election is all about.
"Difference from our neighbors in Illinois: we have balanced budgets, we have cut taxes. That's what Republican leadership gets you and that's exactly the kind of no-nonsense leadership Donald Trump will bring to the White House," Pence said in his introduction.
When Trump took the stage, he fired a shot at Chicago's soaring murder rate.
"Look at Chicago, look at what's going on. Since President Obama became president, almost 5,000 killings in Chicago and nobody talks about it. We're going to start talking about it," Trump said.
However, Trump's statistic is wrong. Since President Obama took office in 2009, there have been closer to 3,500 murders in Chicago.
Trump also touched on recent shootings by police, saying they should be investigated before adding, "The hostility against our police has to end and it has to end right now."
Pence previously called Trump's proposed ban on Muslim immigrants offensive, but softened his tone on Tuesday. When asked by ABC World News' Tom Llamas how he could share a ticket with Trump if they have such a fundamental disagreement, Pence stepped back slightly.
"Look, I served in Congress for 12 years, I've been governor for three and a half years. I haven't agreed with every one of my Republican colleagues or Democratic colleagues on every issue, but I'm supporting Donald Trump because we need change," Pence said.
Meanwhile, one of Trump's former rivals told NBC he won't support his party's presumptive nominee.
"I can't vote for Hillary Clinton and I can't vote for Donald Trump, and it breaks my heart," says Jeb Bush.
Bush, who was essentially ridiculed out of the race by Trump, told NBC the brash businessman doesn't have the trustworthiness to be president.
"Simply put there's a threshold anyone who walks into the Oval Office must pass and I don't think Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump pass that threshold," he said.
But outside Trump's Indiana event, supporters see their candidate as tough in turbulent times.
"I feel we have very little respect for law enforcement with the current administration. Plus I'd like to see secure borders, safety for my grandchildren," said Gary McGinnis, Trump supporters.
There is much talk of who Trump's running mate may be, especially after New Gingrich announced he has severed ties with the Fox News Channel as a paid contributor, a possibly sign that he may be rising on the shortlist. The pick is expected to be announced by the end of the week and the shortlist includes Gov. Pence.
PROTESTERS TURN UP FOR TRUMP'S CHICAGO FUNDRAISER
Tuesday's was Trump's first campaign stop in Chicago since March, when a scheduled rally at the UIC Pavilion was canceled minutes before it started because of violent protests and clashes between demonstrators and supporters of trump.
In a tweet sent out ahead of his campaign event, Trump said crime is out of control and specifically called out Chicago.
A group of protesters organized by local public sector unions gathered outside Trump Tower in the city's River North neighborhood to protest his campaign, calling him a "divider."
"We do not welcome Donald Trump to Chicago," said Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.
"To think that the party of Lincoln today has been dragged down into the swamp of hatred by Donald Trump is something we should all be sad about, and not be silent about," said Greg Kelly, SEIU Healthcare.
"Donald Trump's rhetoric, his demeanor and his policies make him unqualified and unfit to be the president of the United States," said William McNary, Citizen Action Illinois.
A large police and Secret Service presence at Trump Tower were the only evidence of the candidate in Chicago Tuesday - he arrived at and left his namesake tower through a basement door.
RAUNER ABSENT FROM TRUMP APPEARANCE IN CHICAGO
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is in Chicago and the state's top Republican - Gov. Bruce Rauner - was not with him.
The governor announced Tuesday morning he will form a commission to change the way that Illinois funds public education. Not only is he not attending the fundraiser with Trump, but his office scheduled that event at the same time. Intentional or not, it does drive home the point that Rauner has not endorsed Trump for the presidency.
"I love you, Charles. I am not going to comment," Gov. Rauner said. "I have said everything I am going to say about the presidential race."
The governor said he has so much to do in the state of Illinois that he has no time for presidential politics - at least that is how he is avoiding the Trump controversy.
Many Illinois Republicans, particularly those from the moderate wing of the party, have not endorsed Trump. The governor and Sen. Mark Kirk both said they will not attend the Republican Convention next week in Cleveland.
"I think the people of Illinois want to see Illinois move forward and they appreciate that the governor is focusing on that," said State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington).
HILLARY CLINTON CAMPAIGNS IN CHICAGO WEDNESDAY
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton received a "huge" endorsement Tuesday from her primary rival. Bernie Sanders threw his support behind Clinton at a rally in New Hampshire.
Sanders staffers worked with the Democratic National Committee to draft a platform that both groups can agree on. It includes a proposal to break up big banks, a $15 an hour minimum wage and the decriminalization of marijuana.
Clinton will make two stops in Illinois on Wednesday. First she will travel to Springfield to campaign at the Old State Capitol, where President Obama announced his first presidential run in 2007. From there Clinton will travel to the Chicago area for a private fundraised in suburban Wilmette.
