Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., was sentenced Monday to 40 hours of community service, 20 hours of anger management, and a $385 fine after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge for body slamming reporter Ben Jacobs the day before the special election last month, Politico reported.
Speaking to reporters after his appearance in court, Gianforte admitted he made a mistake and said the incident was "not a proud moment," according to a video posted on Twitter.
"When you make a mistake, you've got to take full responsibility, and that's what I've done today, and I look forward to putting this behind me."
Although Gianforte initially denied he body slammed the reporter, he won the election the next day and apologized to Jacobs during his acceptance speech, CNN reported. He also pledged to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists, "in the hope that perhaps some good can come of these events."
The incident occurred May 24, when Gianforte attacked Jacobs after the journalist asked him about his stance on the House's Obamacare replacement bill, on which Gianforte had avoided taking a position.
The congressman-elect also issued a letter to Jacobs last week, saying "My physical response to your legitimate question was unprofessional, unacceptable, and unlawful. I made a mistake and humbly ask for your forgiveness."
Jacobs accepted the apology.
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