Mitch McConnell Says He Encouraged Trump to 'Condemn' Campaign Event Violence

— -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he encouraged Donald Trump to condemn violence at his campaign rallies in a phone call today.

"I took the opportunity to recommend to him that no matter who may be triggering these violent expressions or conflicts that we've seen at some of these rallies, it might be a good idea to condemn that and discourage it, no matter what the source of it is," McConnell said at his weekly news conference.

Earlier this month, McConnell criticized Trump’s “seeming ambivalence” after he appeared to dodge questions about support from former KKK grand wizard David Duke during a CNN interview. Trump has disavowed the KKK and Duke on other occasions, however.

McConnell joined House Speaker Paul Ryan in condemning the violence at Trump's events.

"All candidates have an obligation to do what they can do to try and provide an atmosphere of harmony, to reduce the violence, to not incite violence, and to make sure that we are appealing to people on their best ideals," Ryan said today, after condemning the violence in a radio interview Monday morning.

Trump canceled a rally in Chicago Friday night after clashes erupted between supporters and protesters. The New York businessman has, at times, appeared to encourage supporters to challenge protesters at his events. Earlier on Friday in St. Louis, he mocked those who interrupted his speech and were removed by police, telling them to "go get a job" and one to "go back to mommy."

Asked about McConnell's remarks earlier today, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said he's happy the Senate majority leader is finally speaking out.

"It's nice McConnell said something publicly, but it should've started a long time ago," said Reid.

ABC's Ben Siegel contributed to this report.