Republican Greg Gianforte, who will be representing Montana in the
U.S. House, is negotiating a plea deal for his assault charge, according to news reports.
After first denying he was the aggressor, Gianforte has admitted, in public statements, to attacking a reporter for The Guardian on the night before a special election last month. He issued a
written apology to Ben Jacobs on Wednesday and has agreed to donate $50,000 to the
Committee to Protect Journalists, the outlet said.
But his misdemeanor assault charge is still pending in Gallatin County. He was due to appear in court this week but an extension was granted on Wednesday as the parties discuss a deal, The Billings Gazette reported.
Gianforte has not yet been sworn in to his new position. He defeated
Democrat Rob Quist on May 25 but
lost the vote in counties where Native Americans make up the majority of the population.
Montana's sole seat in the House was vacated when
Ryan Zinke became
Secretary of the Interior for
President Donald Trump.
Read More on the Story:
Gianforte gives $50,000 to press group as charges loom after assault of Guardian reporter
(The Guardian 6/7)
Judge grants Gianforte extension for assault charge, but gives no specific hearing date
(The Bozeman Daily Chronicle 6/7)
Greg Gianforte apologizes to reporter, donates $50K to nonprofit as part of settlement
(The Billings Gazette 6/7)
Gianforte apologizes, reaches settlement with reporter
(The Great Falls Tribune 6/7)
Gianforte apologizes to reporter for assault before election
(AP 6/7)
Greg Gianforte, Montana Republican Charged With Assaulting Reporter, Apologizes
(The New York Times 6/7)
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