Elderly US man punches protester at Donald Trump rally in North Carolina - Watch

Miami: A 78-year-old white man punched a black protester in the face at a Donald Trump rally in North Carolina on Wednesday. 

John McGraw - who later said that next time "we might have to kill him" - was charged with assault, battery and disorderly conduct after the event.

The incident was condemned by Bernie Sanders, who is vying with Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for the White House.

Multiple videos of the assault show McGraw abruptly punching the young black man in the face as he was walking up a stairway with other protesters being escorted out by police, amid cries of "USA! USA!"

McGraw was not arrested until Thursday morning, as video of the assault gained widespread attention. He was released after posting a USD 2,500 bond, CNN reported.

Here is the video: