Having journalists continue to harass, twist words, alter the narrative and annoy people is worthy of contempt as well. Was it worthy of a beating? Based upon the reports I have read, not suitable grounds for it. The man, Gianforte that is, honestly sounds like he broke character and did what a majority of people are encouraging, which is an interesting result. I am assuming that's why he received all the support he did, by doing what a great number of people want to do at the moment.