Having shot his own election chances in the foot with his outlandish behaviour and off–the–wall statements, Donald Trump is stepping up his allegations that the US Presidential election will be rigged against him.

And that’s raised talk of armed revolt amongst some of his more ardent Republican supporters.

Some are threatening violent reprisals after the vote next month if Trump loses.

The Boston Globe talked to his fans after a rally in Cincinnati, where the arrival of the media contingent was booed by thousands.

The paper’s report said anger and hostility were the most overwhelming sentiments at the rally – a deep sense of frustration, an us–versus–them mentality, and a belief that they are part of an unstoppable and underestimated movement.

They believe Trump’s repeated statements that the election is rigged, and if he loses, it will be because of a massive conspiracy to take him down.

Trump supporters in Cincinnati said they planned to go to their local precincts to look for illegal immigrants who may attempt to vote. They are worried that Democrats will load up buses of minorities and take them to vote several times in different areas of the city.

They have heard rumours that boxes of Clinton votes are already waiting somewhere. And some are openly talking about violent rebellion, assassination, and a coup.

One attendee spoken to by the Globe said Clinton should be in prison or shot.

“We’re going to have a revolution and take them out of office if that’s what it takes. There’s going to be a lot of bloodshed. But that’s what it’s going to take. . . . I would do whatever I can for my country.”

Others spoke of harassing anyone in voting lines who couldn’t “speak American” or who looked Mexican or Syrian.

The Trump campaign said in a statement it rejected violence in any form.

“Those who hold unacceptable views do not represent the millions of Americans who are tired of the rigged Washington system that will make their voices heard at the ballot box on Nov. 8,” the statement said.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary – but also at many polling places – SAD — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Mainstream Republicans are watching with a growing sense of alarm.

Al Cardenas, who was chairman of the Republican Party of Florida during the 2000 electoral recount asked; “How do you proclaim fraud before the incident takes place? It’s like my calling you a robber before you rob the bank.”