Trump campaign manager faces new criticism about grabbing someone at event

close

Video

Power Player Plus: Corey Lewandowski

Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski on what it’s like to work with Donald Trump

Donald Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski is facing more criticism after allegations he pulled a man by his shirt collar at a campaign event Saturday, weeks after he was accused of grabbing a reporter's arm.

Lewandowski can be seen on videos standing near a protester as the man is pulled by his shirt collar at a Saturday evening rally in Tucson, Ariz. But whether Lewandowski or a security official yanked on the protester’s collar appears unclear.

On Sunday, the front-running Trump defended Lewandowski, saying his campaign manager tried to remove a sign with “horrendous language” and help amid some lax security.

“I give him credit for having spirit,” Trump said on ABC’s “This Week.” “He wanted them to take down those horrible, profanity-laced signs."

On Saturday night, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks told Fox News the person with whom Lewandowski was speaking was pulled from behind by the man to Lewandowski’s left. She also said the protester was grabbing a woman.

“The video clearly shows the protester reacting to the man who pulled him, not to Mr. Lewandowski,” Hicks said. “Mr. Trump does not condone violence at his rallies, which are private events paid for by the campaign."

Videos of the rally also show a man wearing what appears to be a Klu Klux Klan-like hood and a black male punching and stomping on a white protester who appeared to be getting ejected from the event.

A couple of weeks ago, Lewandowski appeared to grab the arm of Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields to move her out of Trump’s way after a press conference in Florida.

Fields reportedly filed a police report on the incident. Trump solidly backed Lewandowski and questioned Fields’ account of the incident.

Fields and three other Breitbart staffers resigned from the news site over what they said was the media organization’s lack of action in the case. Fields also tweeted “I can’t stand with an organization that won’t stand by me.”