A lawyer for a reporter assaulted by Rep. Greg Gianforte earlier this year sent a cease and desist letter to the congressman and his team, accusing them of defamation, according to a CNN reporter, The Hill reported.
At issue is that Gianforte, who eventually pled guilty to assault for attacking Ben Jacobs in May, now says he never misled anybody about the assault when, in fact, he originally told police that Jacobs had initiated physical contact.
"Rep. Gianforte and his campaign did mislead law enforcement and the public — repeatedly — about Mr. Jacobs' actions in the moments before Rep. Gianforte assaulted him," the letter reads.
"It is unacceptable and actionable for Rep. Gianforte (et al) … to make false and defamatory statements about the May 24 assault," the letter reads. "Please advise Rep. Gianforte (et al) … of the need to cease and desist from making such statements."
Gianforte assaulted Jacobs the day before the Montana special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Ryan Zinke, tapped by President Donald Trump to be secretary of the Interior.
Gianforte was sentenced to community service, fined $385 and ordered to take anger management classes.
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