Former US Congressman Michael Grimm Paralyzed Following Polo Accident

Michael Grimm, a former US congressman, sustained paralysis from the chest down after being unseated from a horse during a polo tournament. Vincent Ignizio, a friend and former New York City council member, informed the Associated Press that the “tragic accident” took place in September and that Mr. Grimm is presently undergoing treatment. Mr. Ignizio has also established a fundraising page to cover the New York Republican’s medical expenses. Mr. Grimm, 54, a former marine and FBI agent, previously served in the House of Representatives, representing Staten Island and a portion of Brooklyn. He resigned from his position several months prior to his 2015 conviction for tax evasion. According to his fundraising page, “Through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams who have helped him, Mr Grimm has miraculously thread the needle to survive.” The page further indicated that the necessary treatment for him to regain the ability to walk would incur costs amounting to “millions of dollars.” Mr. Ignizio stated that his friend is receiving care at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. The Associated Press reported that this facility is where the late actor Christopher Reeve also received treatment following a comparable accident in 1995. “His ultimate goal is to get himself to walk again,” Mr. Ignizio further remarked. On Monday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams conveyed that his “thoughts and prayers” were with Mr. Grimm and expressed that he was “deeply saddened” by the incident. Mayor Adams posted on X, stating, “Grimm is a Marine veteran, and as we honour our nation’s service members this Veteran’s Day, I hope for a full and speedy recovery.” Mr. Grimm was initially elected to the House in 2010. Following a two-year federal investigation concerning his financial affairs, he faced charges in 2014 and was subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison the following year. Prosecutors asserted at the time that he had under-reported wages and revenue with the intent to evade payroll, income, and sales taxes.