Montana’s Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte sentenced to anger management, community service for assault of reporter

"I grabbed his wrist. A scuffle ensued and he was injured, as I understand it," Gianforte told Judge Rick West on Monday during a hearing packed with more than a dozen of reporters and photographers. "It was not my intention to hurt him."

Gianforte has not addressed the false statement his campaign gave following the assault. He briefly spoke with reporters after his court appearance but only took a few questions, none of which challenged him on his campaign’s statement.

By Whitney Bermes Chronicle Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/

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"Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him. Faith, Keith, and I watched in disbelief as Gianforte then began punching the man, as he moved on top the reporter and began yelling something to the effect of, "I’m sick and tired of this!"

Jacobs scrambled to his knees and said something about his glasses being broken. He asked Faith, Keith, and myself for our names. In shock, we did not answer. He then said he wanted the police called and went to leave. Gianforte looked at the three of us and repeatedly apologized. At that point, I told him and [Shane Scanlon], who was now present, that we needed a moment. The men then left."

Fox News crew account of the assault.

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"Tonight, as Greg was giving a separate interview in a private office, The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs entered the office without permission, aggressively shoved a recorder in Greg’s face, and began asking badgering questions. Jacobs was asked to leave. After asking Jacobs to lower the recorder, Jacobs declined. Greg then attempted to grab the phone that was pushed in his face. Jacobs grabbed Greg’s wrist, and spun away from Greg, pushed them both to the ground. It’s unfortunate that this aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist created this scene at our campaign volunteer BBQ."

Gianforte campaign account of the assault