Read Greg Gianforte’s Full Apology for Body-Slamming Reporter

Newly-elected Montana congressman Greg Gianforte issued a second, comprehensive apology on Wednesday to Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs for physically assaulting him on May 24.

The altercation occurred at Gianforte’s campaign headquarters less than 24 hours before a special election to replace outgoing Representative and fellow Republican Ryan Zinke.

Jacobs was attacked — “body-slammed” is how he described it — by Gianforte, a Republican, after entering a room and asking a question about the Republicans’ proposed healthcare plan.

[...] Read: GOP Candidate Who Attacked Reporter Wins Montana Special Election

Protections afforded the press through the constitution are fundamental to who we are as a nation and the way government is accountable to the people.

In hope that perhaps some good can come of these events, I am making a $50,000 contribution to the Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent non-profit organization that promotes press freedom and that protects the rights of journalists worldwide.