East Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm He is paralyzed from the chest down after falling from a horse in a freak polo accident in September, friends told The Post on Sunday.
The 45-year-old Marine veteran is being treated at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey — where the late “Superman” movie star Christopher Reeve also recovered after being paralyzed from the neck down following a fall from a horse.
Grimm’s injuries are so severe that friends have started a GoFundMe to raise money For the extensive, years-long medical expenses he incurred.
“I hate even to say it. “Mike is paralyzed from the chest down,” said friend Vincent Ignizio, a former Republican councilman and current deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections.
Ignizio has visited Grimm frequently and watched as he was moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation center last week.
“He is currently stable and is currently being treated to try to get him the function he can achieve. A lot of prayers are needed,” Ignizio told The Post.
Grimm was an intense, fit, hard-working military veteran – and looked the part.
He could flash a smile to light up a room, but he was also quick to anger – once upon a time Threatens to throw NY1 reporter off balcony on live television After he was asked by reporters at the US Capitol building about his legal problems.
“Our friend, former Marine, FBI agent, and U.S. Congressman Michael Grimm, was left paralyzed after being thrown from a horse following a devastating accident in September 2024,” the GoFundMe sponsored by the Michael Grimm Supplemental Needs Fund reads. “He has been in the most devastating situations and by the grace of God, Mr Grimm has miraculously threaded the needle to survive.
“Still, his ongoing care and treatment to regain walking will cost millions of dollars. For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly request that you donate generously to help him.
As of Sunday afternoon, more than $36,000 had been raised.
Even former Brooklyn City Councilman Dominic Recchia, who lost the race against Grimm for Congress in 2014, donated $250 to his lifelong political rival.
“This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. This is a humanitarian issue. She’s a human being,” Recchia said.
“Michael Grimm gave his life for our country in the armed services. We have to unite together.
“It was a tragic accident. Hopefully one day he will walk again.”
State Assemblyman Michael Tanousis, chairman of the Staten Island Republican Party, urged more people to come to Grim’s aid.
“Congressman Grimm is a dedicated public servant who served us on the battlefield and in the halls of Congress. We need to come together as a community to help Michael in his time of need,” Tanousis said.
According to the GoFundMe page, Grimm was thrown from his horse during a polo tournament on September 22.
He represented Staten Island and southern Brooklyn in Congress from 2010 to January 2015.
He won re-election in 2014 while facing tax evasion charges. But he resigned after being re-elected pleaded guilty to underreporting income He once co-owned an Upper East Side restaurant and paid the staff by the books.
Grimm spent seven months in prison.
he made an effort Political comeback in 2018 But lost the Republican primary to then-Republican Representative Dan Donovan.
Republican Representative Nicole Malliotakis now represents the 11th House District.
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