Republican congressional candidate Greg Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault last night after he “body slammed” Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs, who was attempting to ask him a question about the GOP health care bill and Gianforte’s alleged ties to Russia. The Montana politician and former tech mogul—who’s running against Democrat Rob Quist for Ryan Zinke’s old Senate seat—also broke Jacobs’ glasses.
Social media reaction to the post was swift, including on Gianforte’s own Twitter account. The candidate is an avid hunter, who often posts stomach churning photos of the meat he cooks after a kill. He also frequently visits Montana county fairs, where he poses with champion mutton busters (children who ride or race sheep).
Many Twitter users pointed out that these somewhat violent pastimes could offer a clue as to why Gianforte attacked Jacobs. They also (of course) took the opportunity to comment on his posts with body slam jokes:
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/866059026081001472
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/693933955133747200
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/861608742479052800
https://twitter.com/DrMantisA2/status/867526117334425600
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/828355142160224256
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/813104495538278401
https://twitter.com/sheehankelly/status/867578517122416640
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/805424167210229760
https://twitter.com/sheehankelly/status/867580988997718021
https://twitter.com/gianforte/status/807758231195897856
https://twitter.com/sheehankelly/status/867580783183220736
Ah, Twitter: the place for both gross meat photos and immediate political commentary.
