Gianforte Sentenced to Anger Management for Assaulting Reporter

Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte will serve no jail time for his assault of a reporter on the eve of Montana’s special election last month. Gallatin County Justice Court Judge Rick West on Monday initially sentenced the Republican politician to four days in jail—with two dedicated to a work program—but later changed the sentence to 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management, and $385 in fines and fees. Additionally, Gianforte was slapped with a six-month jail sentence, all of which was deferred by the judge, and can be dismissed outright in six months if he doesn’t violate the sentencing conditions. For his part, Gianforte pleaded guilty to the charges, apologized to Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, and pledged to donate money to a nonprofit organization benefiting the free press—all of which came despite his own campaign outright denying that he ever assaulted the reporter.