GOP Congressman-Elect, After Assault Conviction, Says Other Parties Have ‘Obligation to be Respectful’

Greg Gianforte Pleaded Guilty to Misdemeanor Assault This Week

Republican Congressman-Elect Greg Gianforte of Montana, who this week pleaded guilty on the charge of misdemeanor assault for physically attacking a reporter, has called on politicians to exhibit civility.

According to a Fox News reporter standing two feet from the attack that led to the conviction, The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs had approached Gianforte to inquire about healthcare when he was soon “grabbed by the neck with both hands” and “slammed into the ground.”

A video containing the audio can be found below:

“I think you can never erase history,” Gianforte told the AP. “I can’t erase it, but I did do everything in my power once the event was over to take responsibility.”

Following the so-called event, Gianforte and his campaign were silent for over 24 hours. All scheduled interviews were cancelled, and the then-candidate avoided social media entirely. He also didn’t contact Ben Jacobs to apologize.

Now, four days after his conviction and following this week’s tragic shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Gianforte’s tone has softened. “I believe that good things can come out of bad,” he said.

“It’s important to make sure we reach out to all parties and hear their voice,” Gianforte continued. “I think the other parties have an obligation, as well, to be respectful and in that dialogue.”

As The Hill reported, Gianforte was given a 180-day deferred jail sentence in addition to a fine of $385. He was also sentenced to 20 hours of anger management counseling and 40 hours of community service.

The Congressman-Elect avoided a civil lawsuit in exchange for a written apology to reporter Ben Jacobs and a donation of $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Gianforte will be sworn in by House Speaker Paul Ryan this coming Wednesday.

 

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