Former Rep. Michael Grimm paralyzed from riding accident

On By Littum

Former New York Rep. Michael Grimm’s Supplemental Needs Trust organized a GoFundMe with a goal of $2.5 million to help the politician walk again.

Former New York Rep. Michael Grimm was left paralyzed from the chest down after a “devastating” riding accident in September, according to a new fundraiser organized by the politician’s trust.

Grimm, who represented New York in the US Congress from 2011 to 2015, is recovering from being thrown from a horse in September 2024, a GoFundMe started by the 54-year-old’s Supplemental Needs Trust says.

“He has been in the most devastating situations and through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams that have helped him, Mr. Grimm has miraculously threaded the needle to survive,” the GoFundMe reads.

Grimm is receiving treatment to walk again, and it will “cost millions of dollars,” according to the fundraiser. The GoFundMe, which has raised over $100,000, has a goal of $2.5 million.

“For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him,” the fundraising page reads.

USA TODAY reached out to Grimm’s reps on Monday but did not receive a response.

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Who is US Representative Michael Grimm?

Grimm was elected to Congress in 2011, succeeding former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. Rep. Guy Molinari’s endorsements. He ultimately resigned from Congress until he pleaded guilty to a single count of tax evasion in federal court in New York.

The former congressman admitted his wrongdoing, which included failing to fully report income, less than two months after winning re-election in December 2014. After the sentencing, Grimm surrendered on September 22, 2015 and served seven months in prison.

After publication, Grimm became a contributor to Newsmax, a conservative news outlet. In September Newsmax anchor Greg Kellya former Marine comrade, reported that Grimm suffered a neck injury that required surgery and that the former congressman was a patient at an unidentified hospital in Westchester County, New York.

Vinny Ignizio, a former New York City Councilman, wrote about Grimm’s injury and GoFundMe on his Facebook.

“Our friend and former Congressman Michael Grimm suffered a tragic accident that has left him paralyzed,” according to the social media post. “He needs help covering the significant costs not covered by insurance on his long road to recovery. Your prayers and a donation would help him greatly.”

Jonathan Limehouse covers the latest and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected].