If you read the great Vox article on "authoritarianism," (see previous post), you know that issues of "law and order" are triggers to activate the authoritarians in our midst. I do think "The Short-Fingered Vulgarian" has been using protesters at his rallies, as props - it's all kind of like a Jerry Springer show, a scripted interlude, meant to excite and entertain the crowd.
The Short-Fingered Vulgarian wants to use the violence, or the expectation of violence as a tool. It's kind of a dangerous game he's playing, but I do think, that he thinks, it all makes the TV show that is his campaign, more compelling.
It spilled out of control in Chicago. But as Kevin Drum asks, "who will the public blame?" Don't really know yet. There is a dark, circus-like nature to all of this, there is the level of entertainment, a pandering ridiculousness, and a deep ugliness that lies beneath it all.
Welcome to your America!