Montana Republican Greg Gianforte will work off his sentence for assaulting a Guardian reporter by volunteering for an organization that builds custom wheelchairs for children.



Gianforte attacked Ben Jacobs the day before a 25 May special congressional election. Before pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault in June, he agreed to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

In his statement to the court, Jacobs said, “I asked Mr Gianforte a question in the same manner I have asked questions of hundreds of politicians: congressmen, senators and even the man who is now our president.

“Mr Gianforte’s response was to slam me to the floor and start punching me. He injured my elbow, broke my glasses and thrust me into a national spotlight I did not seek or desire.”



Gianforte was fined $385, told to complete 20 hours of anger-management therapy and ordered to perform 40 hours of community service.



The Gallatin County court services director, Steve Ette, told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle the congressman was working with ROC Wheels, a Bozeman-based not-for-profit group, to determine when and how he will complete his community service. He has until 28 November to do so.



Gianforte told the court he will seea therapist based in Bozeman.

Following Gianforte’s election win against Democrat Rob Quist, in June he was sworn in as his state’s sole US representative. After he assaulted the journalist, he attracted more than $116,000 in campaign donation, according to reports.

Jacobs’ broken glasses are now on display at the Newseum in Washington DC.