Montana Congressman-Elect Gets No Jail Time for Assaulting Reporter

Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault Monday for "body slamming" journalist Ben Jacobs.

Republican congressman-elect Greg Gianforte pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor assault for body-slamming a reporter and will serve no jail time, a Montana judge has ruled.

Gallatin County Justice Court Judge Rick West ordered Gianforte, a Trump supporter, to serve 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management classes. He also must pay $385 in fines and fees.

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Last week, the 56-year-old tech millionaire settled a civil claim with Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, agreeing to pay $4,464.97 in restitution.

Gianforte also issued a public apology and said he would donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

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“I acknowledge that the media have an obligation to seek information,” Gianforte said at the time. “I also know that civility in our public discourse is central to a productive dialogue on issues. I had no right to respond the way I did to your legitimate question about health care policy. You were doing your job.”

Jacobs said Gianforte attacked him and knocked him to the ground after he asked a question in Bozeman on the eve of the state’s special election to choose a new House representative after the incumbent accepted a position in Donald Trump’s administration.

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