Politics

Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, needs new glasses

Three newspapers withdrew their endorsements after a Republican candidate attacked a reporter in Montana

Politics

Politics

Ben Jacobs, a reporter for the Guardian, needs new glasses

Three newspapers withdrew their endorsements after a Republican candidate attacked a reporter in Montana

A reporter for The Guardian was physically assaulted by Greg Gianforte, the Republican candidate, in a closely watched special Congressional election in Montana.

Jacobs tweeted about his assault, which happened last night at Gianforte’s campaign headquarters in Bozeman, and the Guardian posted the audio. In the recording, Jacobs can be heard pestering Gianforte to talk, while Gianforte tells him to “talk to Shane.” Jacobs politely persists, and suddenly there are sounds of a scuffle. “I'm sick and tired of you guys,” Gianforte yells.

According to Fox News reporters who were in the room, “Gianforte grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him into the ground behind him.”

The Guardian later published a photo that Jacobs took of his broken glasses while in the back of an ambulance. “This is the strangest thing that has ever happened to me in reporting on politics,” he told his own paper.

Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault and three Montana newspapers pulled their endorsements of him.

The special election is being held because Republican Ryan Zinke was appointed as Secretary of the Interior, leaving his seat vacant. Today is the final day of voting. The race was expected to be close with Gianforte slightly ahead of his opponent, Democrat Rob Quist, a political newcomer who was endorsed by Bernie Sanders.