Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte apologized to the Guardian reporter he assaulted the night before his election, after initially denying that he “body slammed” him. | Getty Gianforte sentenced to 40 hours of community service for assaulting reporter

Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte was sentenced on Monday to 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management as well as a $385 fine after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge connected to an altercation with a reporter last month.

The Montana Republican apologized to Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs for assaulting him the night before the special election, after initially denying that he “body slammed” him.


Speaking to reporters after his court appearance, Gianforte said he made a mistake and that his act against Jacobs was "not a proud moment." He said he looks forward to moving on and starting his job in Washington, where he'll soon be sworn in as the newest member of the House of Representatives — although he'll bring with him a reputation connected to the violent moment.

“When you make a mistake you’ve got to take full responsibility, and that’s what I’ve done today, and I look forward to putting this behind me,” Gianforte told reporters, according to a video posted on Twitter. “Now I look forward to going to work in Washington.”

The assault happened in a backroom just before a campaign event on May 24, the night before the special election to fill Rep.-turned-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's vacant seat. Jacobs had approached Gianforte to ask about his position on the House GOP’s contentious Obamacare replacement. Gianforte had avoided taking a position the bill.

Gianforte yelled at Jacobs to leave, then tackled him to the ground, breaking his glasses. Jacobs went to the hospital to be examined, according to his tweets and his firsthand account, but was otherwise physically fine.

Gianforte initially denied the allegation and he blamed Jacobs for “aggressive” questioning that he said overstepped personal boundaries. However, several Fox News producers witnessed the encounter and confirmed Jacobs' story.

Speaker Paul Ryan the next morning asked Gianforte to take responsibility for his actions and apologize.

While Democrats hoped the sudden act of violence would swing an already close special election in their favor, Gianforte still won the race.

During his victory speech, Gianforte apologized to Jacobs. He also vowed to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which promotes freedom of the press.