According to a police report reviewed by The Guardian, Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-MT.) falsely told police that reporter Ben Jacobs initiated physical contact with him when Gianforte assaulted Jacobs in May. He also allegedly said “liberal media … is trying to make a story." The night before his election, Jacobs approached Gianforte to ask a question about healthcare and was thrown to the ground. Gianforte later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and was sentenced to community service and anger management classes.
