UPDATE 10:47 PM: MTN News has learned that Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin has cited Greg Gianforte for misdemeanor assault after allegedly assaulting Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs in Bozeman Wednesday afternoon.
"Following multiple interviews and an investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office it was determined there was probable cause to issue a citation to Greg Gianforte for misdemeanor assault (MCA 45-5-201)," Gootkin said in a statement. "The nature of the injuries did not meet the statutory elements of felony assault.
Gianforte was scheduled to appear in Gallatin County Justice Court sometime between now and Wednesday June 7.
Gootkin acknowledged that after a press conference Wednesday night, images of a campaign contribution document were circulating online showing that Gootkin had contributed $250 to Gianforte's campaign in March 2017.
"After the press conference it was brought to my attention that people were commenting on a contribution that I made to the Gianforte campaign. I did contribute $250.00 on March 23, 2017. This contribution has nothing to do with our investigation which is now complete."
The incident was reportedly witnessed by several people in the room, including Fox News reporter Alicia Acuna who wrote that Gianforte, after being approached by Jacobs with a question about the newly released Congressional Budget Office report on the American Health Care Act, "Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him."
"Jacobs scrambled to his knees and said something about his glasses being broken. He asked Faith, Keith and myself for our names. In shock, we did not answer. He then said he wanted the police called and went to leave. Gianforte looked at the three of us and repeatedly apologized. At that point, I told him and Scanlon, who was now present, that we needed a moment. The men then left.
To be clear, at no point did any of us who witnessed this assault see Jacobs show any form of physical aggression toward Gianforte, who left the area after giving statements to local sheriff's deputies."
Jacobs was treated and released from a Bozeman hospital Wednesday evening. No charges have been filed against Jacobs.
UPDATE: 9:04: Fox News political reporters are claiming they were in the room and witnessed the altercation between Greg Gianforte and Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs.
Alicia Acuna writes that Gianforte, after being approached by Jacobs with a question about the newly released Congressional Budget Office report on the American Health Care Act, "Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him."
"Jacobs scrambled to his knees and said something about his glasses being broken. He asked Faith, Keith and myself for our names. In shock, we did not answer. He then said he wanted the police called and went to leave. Gianforte looked at the three of us and repeatedly apologized. At that point, I told him and Scanlon, who was now present, that we needed a moment. The men then left.
To be clear, at no point did any of us who witnessed this assault see Jacobs show any form of physical aggression toward Gianforte, who left the area after giving statements to local sheriff's deputies."
Jacobs was treated and released from a Bozeman hospital later Wednesday evening.
Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin said in a Wednesday night press conference that his office was still investigating the incident.
Images of a campaign contribution document were circulating online late Wednesday night showing that Gootkin had contributed $250 to Gianforte's campaign in March 2017. An MTN reporter says that though she has attempted to call Gootkin multiple times Wednesday night, his phone appears to be turned off.
We will continue to bring you more information as this story develops.
Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin announced he will hold a press conference tonight, Wednesday May 24 at 8 p.m. at the Gallatin County Detention Center Community Room.
We will bring you more updates on this developing story as we get more information.
A reporter for The Guardian newspaper was reportedly hospitalized after he claimed he was body-slammed by US House candidate Greg Gianforte at a campaign stop in Bozeman Wednesday.
Gianforte was making one of his last campaign stops in Bozeman before the special congressional election set for tomorrow.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported Wednesday that Gallatin County Sheriff's deputies and an ambulance were on scene earlier Wednesday.
The Guardian posted an audio clip of the alleged encounter on their website Wednesday evening.
A spokesperson for Greg for Montana, Shane Scanlon, released a statement Wednesday night.
“Tonight, as Greg was giving a separate interview in a private office, The Guardian’s Ben Jacobs entered the office without permission, aggressively shoved a recorder in Greg’s face, and began asking badgering questions. Jacobs was asked to leave. After asking Jacobs to lower the recorder, Jacobs declined. Greg then attempted to grab the phone that was pushed in his face. Jacobs grabbed Greg’s wrist, and spun away from Greg, pushing them both to the ground. It’s unfortunate that this aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist created this scene at our campaign volunteer BBQ.”
An MTN reporter says the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office has released a statement on the incident.
"The Gallatin County Sheriffs Office is currently investigating allegations of an assault involving Greg Gianforte. We will provide a press release with more information when appropriate. The investigation is ongoing."
MTN reporter Morgan Davies said the GCSO will issue a press release soon with more information.
We will bring you more information as this story develops.
Republican Montana congressional candidate Greg Gianforte. (MTN News photo)
