Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said Thursday he does not condone violence of any kind after fellow Republican Greg Gianforte, who’s running for the Montana at-large congressional seat, allegedly body slammed a reporter.
Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday night for the incident that took place one night before election day.
Daines said in a statement he will leave questions about what happened to local law enforcement and, notably, declined to say whether he will continue to support Gianforte.
“I have confidence in local law enforcement,” Daines said. “I do know Greg Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault and will leave the questions and answers to local law enforcement.”
“I do not condone violence in any way,” Daines added.
The comment comes after Ben Jacobs, a political reporter with the Guardian, was allegedly slammed to the ground by Gianforte. The incident broke Jacobs’ glasses and caused him to go to the hospital for x-rays on his elbow.
Later Thursday afternoon, Daines called on Gianforte to apologize to Jacobs.
“Greg Gianforte needs to apologize,” Daines tweeted.
After the incident, three major Montana newspapers pulled their endorsements of Gianforte, who also cancelled an interview with “Meet The Press” ahead of the election.
Daines used to work for Gianforte when he was in the private sector and has appeared with him on the campaign trail, both during this campaign and Gianforte’s failed gubernatorial campaign in 2016.
Gianforte is facing Democrat Rob Quist in the special election to replace Ryan Zinke, who is now President Trump’s Interior secretary.
