Donald Trump is disavowing any responsibility for the growing level of violence at his campaign events. Instead. he is saying he is simply the messenger speaking to the rising frustration among many Americans.

"We have protesters [that are] so mean," Trump told a crowd in Bloomington, Illinois on Sunday, marking his return to the state less than 48 hours after he was forced to cancel an event in Chicago that was marred by violence and bloodshed.

"They're so bad," added the Republican front-runner, who earlier in his speech boasted to supporters he could turn the country around in just two years. "Our people started swinging back, and the next day we are the bad guys."

Violence Becomes Regular Occurrence at Trump Gatherings

Trump's comments come on the heels of a week of violent outbreaks at his rallies. The incidents prompted some to call for him to tone down his rhetoric and to acknowledge that his fiery words have played a role in the mayhem.

In defending himself, Trump told Fox News people are angry about everything from stagnant wages to fewer jobs to insufficient care for military veterans.

"The people are angry about that," he added during an appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press." "They're not angry about something I'm saying. I'm just the messenger."

Meanwhile, Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton has accused Trump of being guilty of "political arson." She added, "The ugly, divisive rhetoric we are hearing from Donald Trump and the encouragement of violence and aggression is wrong, and it's dangerous."

Through it all, Trump has continued to insist he doesn't condone any violence.

In one recent instance, an elderly white supporter punched a black protester in the face as he was being led away by security in North Carolina. During Trump's speech in Illinois, Trump was interrupted several times by protesters, prompting him to unapologetically instruct security to "get them out."

Trump also claims many of the protesters are hired hands, blaming Vermont Senator and democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders for sending in the troublemakers.

"Send them back to Bernie," he shouted during one recent rally. "What happened in Chicago was a set up. They are not protesters. They are disruptors."

UIC Protest Ends in Arrests

In a recent press release, Chicago police indicated three local men and a 45-year-old woman from Michigan were arrested in connection with protest violence on the campus of the University of Illinois. A CBS reporter was also briefly detained.

Before the rally was even scheduled to commence, dozens of UIC faculty and staff members petitioned the university to cancel the event, citing concerns it would create a "hostile and physically dangerous environment."

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