Horrifying: Audio of Montana Republican Greg Gianforte assaulting reporter Ben Jacobs

Montana Republican Greg Gianforte

The Guardian has now posted audio of Montana Republican Greg Gianforte assaulting one of its reporters, Ben Jacobs, after Jacobs tried asking a question about the Congressional Budget Office’s assessment of the GOP’s Obamacare repeal legislation at a Gianforte “meet-and-greet”:

Jacobs was taken to a local hospital. Police have arrived on scene and are questioning witnesses, but Gianforte has left the area. His campaign has, however, released a statement:

Gianforte's statement: pic.twitter.com/WVNdA1yZ8w

— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) May 25, 2017

A transcript of the encounter is below:

Jacobs: … the CBO score. Because, you know, you've been waiting to make your decision about health care until you saw the bill, and it just came out …

Gianforte: We'll talk to you about that later.

Jacobs: Yeah, but there's not going to be time. I'm just curious ...

Gianforte: Okay, speak with Shane, please.

Jacobs: But, you gotta ...

[loud crunching noises]

Gianforte [screaming]: I'M SICK AND TIRED OF YOU GUYS!

Jacobs: Jesus Chr ...

Gianforte: THE LAST GUY THAT CAME IN HERE—YOU DID THE SAME THING. GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!

Jacobs: Jesus!

Gianforte: GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! The last guy did the same thing. You with the Guardian?

Jacobs: Yes, and you just broke my glasses.

Gianforte: The last guy did the same damn thing.

Jacobs: You just body-slammed me and broke my glasses.

Gianforte: Get the hell out of here.

Jacobs: You'd like me to get the hell out of here, I’d also like to call the police. Can I get you guys's names?

Man: Hey, you gotta leave.

Jacobs: He just body-slammed me.

Man: You gotta leave.