Montana Republican Congressmember-elect Greg Gianforte has been sentenced to 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management, after he was accused of body-slamming Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs to the ground and breaking his glasses the night before Montana’s special election. Gianforte won the election; more than 70 percent of Montana voters had cast their ballots during early voting before the attack occurred. This is Gianforte after pleading guilty Monday to misdemeanor assault.
Greg Gianforte: “I take full responsibility for my actions. I didn’t act in a way that was consistent with my behavior in the past, and, you know, that’s why I was—I was pleased to be here and get this done, so we can move forward. And, you know, I look forward to putting this behind me. I’ve apologized to Mr. Ben Jacobs. He has accepted my apology. I’m grateful for that. And now I look forward to going to work in Washington.”
Gianforte attacked Ben Jacobs after Jacobs asked him a question about the Republicans’ healthcare proposal.