Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., was sworn in as the newest member of Congress on Wednesday, less than a month after body-slamming a reporter the night before his election.
“I am Montana’s lone voice here in this House, sent by the people to do the work of the people,” Gianforte said. “The MT comes before the R or the D after my name.”
Gianforte pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and received 40 hours of community service and 20 hours of anger management for body-slamming Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, breaking Jacobs’ glasses. Gianforte later apologized to Jacobs and donated $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
“We need to bring accountability to Washington D.C.,” Gianforte said after his swearing-in. “I feel a deep sense of obligation to serve and I look forward to being a strong voice for all of Montana.”
