Social Media erupts to alleged bodyslam by Greg Gianforte on a Guardian reporter

The people on social media have had mixed views in the aftermath of the alleged bodyslam done by Republican congressional candidate Greg Gianforte to a Guardian reporter. The news trended on several social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and in YouTube comment threads. According to Ben Jacobs, Gianforte allegedly slammed him to the floor, broke his glasses and shouted, "Get the hell out of here."

Apparently, people in social media are not happy with the candidate's actions. An alleged audio recording and the presence of Fox News Journalists corroborates the reporter's claims.

The incident supposedly started when Jacobs asked Gianforte about the Republican health care plan.

Social media reacts

Several Twitter users have lambasted Gianforte's actions, with some questioning his eligibility to run for Congress. Others tweeted that the tech millionaire's career in politics might be over.

People in Facebook also weighed in the controversy, on one of Gianforte's sponsored posts, excerpts of Don Dickman's comment said, "Can't wait to see you in jail and convicted of felony battery." Paul Jefferson also reacted in the same post saying, "Misdemeanor?

Grab someone by the throat with both hands, throw him down and get on top and punch him? Wow." Jacob's account of the incident relayed that the candidate grabbed him by the neck and slammed him to the floor. He added that Gianforte threw some punches while he was down.

Other media platforms, including YouTube's comment thread, also showed remorse for Gianforte's actions.

Several users included expletives in their remarks to demonstrate their disgust in the candidate's apparent bodyslam.

In defense of Gianforte's actions

Campaign spokesman Shane Scanlon offered a different version of the story. According to his statement, Jacobs allegedly entered the office premises without permission and aggressively shoved a recorder in Gianforte's face.

Scanlon then detailed that the reporter was asking "badgering questions" that lead to the altercation.

He added that Jacobs was asked to go away, but the reporter allegedly declined. Accordingly, Greg attempted to grab the phone out of the journalist's hands, but Ben avowedly grabbed the candidate's wrist and spun, pushing them both to the ground. However, Scanlon's statement contradicted earlier statements made by the aggrieved party, especially with witnesses at the scene, including the audio recording that Jacobs was able to secure during the altercation. But despite his actions, other social media users still aired support for the Republican candidate, a scary thing to witness in our current generation.