Representative-elect apologizes, says he will give $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists

Rep.-elect Greg Gianforte (New York Times photo)

Montana's new representative-elect in the U.S. House, Greg Gianforte, formally apologized to The Guardian's Ben Jacobs for body-slamming him on the eve of Gianforte's election, Ryan W. Miller reports for USA Today. The Republican also pledged to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

"My physical response to your legitimate question was unprofessional, unacceptable, and unlawful," Gianforte said in a letter to Jacobs. "As both a candidate for office and a public official, I should be held to a high standard in my interactions with the press and the public. My treatment of you did not meet that standard."

Jacobs seemingly accepted the apology: "I hope the constructive resolution of this incident reinforces for all the importance of respecting the freedom of the press and the First Amendment and encourages more civil and thoughtful discourse in our country," he said.  Gianforte faces a misdemeanor charge for the altercation; however, a judge granted an extension to June 20, The Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The altercation happened May 24, the night before the special election, when Jacobs pressed Gianforte about the budget scoring of the health-care bill passed by the House