Trump cheers the punch

A demonstrator escorted from the Clemson University rally appeared to be punched by a rally attender, to the US president's delight. Donald Trump asked whether everyone was OK, then reacted from the stage.

Trump asked who had thrown the punch and compared the man to former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who was in attendance, telling him: "You know, you reminded me of Evander, the real deal, Holyfield". He added: "You gotta give them credit. It takes courage to do that at a Trump rally", saying the protester "got whacked".

Nine interruptions and 'USA' chants

The disruptions went beyond the single punch. One protester removed by security was followed by a rally attendee who appeared to slap the demonstrator on the head.

According to a pool report, the president was interrupted at least nine times by hecklers during the event.

• •The crowd chanted "USA" as security guards escorted the protesters out of the arena.

Why Trump was in South Carolina

Trump travelled to South Carolina to support Darline Graham, sister of the late senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly in July from a heart condition. Elected to her brother's Senate seat in a special election, Darline Graham faces Democratic challenger Annie Andrews as she bids for a full six-year term.

Protests and the campaign backdrop

Protests have frequently erupted at Trump rallies in recent weeks as the president ramps up campaign stops before the 3 November midterm elections. He often dismisses the demonstrations as the work of "paid protesters".

His 32-day campaign blitz has largely taken him to Republican-leaning areas he won comfortably in previous elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published Monday found 31% of Americans approve of his performance in office, a record low. The blitz continues ahead of the midterms.