Assault accused triumphs

Montana Republican Greg Gianforte claimed victory in a congressional special election yesterday, and apologised to a reporter who accused Gianforte of assaulting him on the eve of the vote. Speaking to cheering supporters in Bozeman after his win, Gianforte apologised for the incident involving Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, and said he was not proud of his actions. ’’I should not have responded the way I did, and for that I’m sorry,’’ he said. ’’I should not have treated that reporter that way.’’ Gianforte prevailed despite being charged with assaulting Jacobs, who said the candidate ‘‘body-slammed’’ him during a campaign event in Bozeman as he tried to ask him about healthcare. A Fox News reporter who was present said Gianforte ‘‘grabbed Jacobs by the neck with both hands and slammed him to the ground’’.