A Republican Congressional candidate running for a special election in Montana allegedly body-slammed a reporter for asking him a question about health care.
Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs said that candidate Greg Gianforte body slammed him, breaking his glasses. Audio of the incident released by the Guardian appears to substantiate Jacobs’ account.
On the audio recording, Jacobs can be heard asking Gianforte if he supported Trumpcare in light of the latest CBO score. Gianforte initially demurs, saying he would talk about it later. When Jacobs presses for an answer, Gianforte becomes enraged. There is loud banging and Gianforte says, “I’m sick and tired of you guys! The last guy who came in here did the same thing!”
“You just body slammed me and broke my glasses,” Jacob says. “Get the hell out of here,” Gianforte replies.
A BuzzFeed reporter witnessed some of the event from the room next door and backed up Jacobs’ account. She told her story to Chris Hayes on MSNBC.
Gianforte later released a statement painting Jacobs as the aggressor.
Gianforte's statement: pic.twitter.com/WVNdA1yZ8w
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) May 25, 2017
Police arrived on the scene and were taking witness statements. Jacobs was treated in an ambulance.
Election day in Montana is tomorrow.