Today, HRC condemned the alleged assault of Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs by Montana congressional candidate Greg Gianforte. Recordings and eyewitness accounts suggest that as Jacobs asked Gianforte about the Republican healthcare plan, Gianforte body slammed him to the ground. Gianforte has been charged with misdemeanor assault.

“This assault reflects the very worst of our politics and the bullying and bluster that Americans are fed up with,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC’s Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “Greg Gianforte’s apparent assault of a reporter for asking questions is the tactic of a bully, not a political candidate in a democracy that respects freedom of the press. It’s no wonder that Mike Pence and Donald Trump have gone out of their way to prop up Gianforte, a candidate who mirrors their toxic hate and anger.”

Continued Winterhof, “If Gianfote's anti-LGBTQ attacks were not enough, his apparent physical attack on a reporter should be disqualifying for Montana voters as they head to the polls for the final day of voting in this crucial special election.”

Polls are open in Montana until 8 p.m. MDT. Same-day registration is available to Montanans who have not yet registered to vote.

For Montanans interested in finding their polling place for today’s special election, visit https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/.