Former Congressman paralyzed from the chest down after being thrown from his horse

Former New York Rep. Michael Grimm, who resigned in 2015 amid scandal and later became an anchor at Newsmax, is reportedly paralyzed after a horse riding accident.

According to CBS News, Grimm, 54, was thrown from his horse during a polo match in September and was left paralyzed from the chest down. After the accident, he was admitted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY. The New York Times reported.

He is currently being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey – the same place where the late Christopher Reeve was cared for after a similar accident during an equestrian competition in 1995.

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Grimm’s Newsmax colleague Greg Kelly initially reported his injury The Greg Kelly Show podcast on September 23. “He’s a great horseman, he actually played polo. He got thrown from the horse and seriously damaged his neck.” Kelly said, asking his listeners to say a prayer.

“If there is anyone who can show the strength and will to ensure his full recovery, it is Michael Grimm,” said Vincent Ignizio, Grimm’s friend and former member of the New York City Council. New York Times. “He’s a tough Marine and a tough patriot, and we’re all just praying.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for medical expenses, including “treatment to walk again.” “Our friend, former Marine, FBI agent and U.S. Congressman Michael Grimm was left paralyzed after a devastating accident when he was thrown from a horse in September 2024,” the fundraiser reads.

“He has been in the most devastating situations and by the grace of God and the amazing medical teams that helped him, Mr. Grimm miraculously inserted the needle to survive. However, his continued care and treatment to walk again will cost millions of dollars.”

The GoFundMe, with a goal of $2.5 million, concludes: “For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him.”

Grimm represented Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn for New York in the U.S. Congress from 2011 to 2015, according to CBS.

In 2012, he was placed under federal investigation for his fundraising efforts, which led to a 20-count indictment for mail fraud, wire fraud, health care fraud and perjury, all related to a Manhattan restaurant he owned and managed.

Although he won re-election to Congress in 2014, Grimm subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud in New York federal court and resigned in 2015.

The former congressman served eight months in prison and was released in 2016. In 2018, he tried to make a political comeback, but ultimately failed after losing in the primaries.