Michael Grimm, a former U.S. congressman and Marine veteran, has suffered serious harm due to an accident last month.

Grimm now faces a challenging recovery process following a severe injury and tragic subsequent paralysis sustained in September, as the New York Post reports.

The 54-year-old Staten Island native was participating in a tournament on Sept. 22 when the accident occurred, leading to his current condition and a long road of rehabilitation ahead.

Grimm's Background and Congressional Career

Grimm represented Staten Island and southern Brooklyn in Congress from 2010 to January 2015.

His career in public service was marked by his dedication, having also served as an FBI agent prior to his political tenure.

However, his political career faced turbulence; he resigned from Congress in January 2015 after pleading guilty to tax-related offenses connected to a restaurant he owned. This led to a seven-month prison sentence.

Despite his attempts at a political comeback in 2018, Grimm was unsuccessful in winning a Republican primary.

Community Response to Accident

In the wake of his accident, the community has rallied to support Grimm. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends to aid with the overwhelming medical costs associated with his condition.

As of a recent report on Sunday, the campaign has raised over $36,000, with contributions from many, including Domenic Recchia, a former political opponent and Brooklyn City Councilman, who donated $250.

"This isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s a human issue. He’s a human being," said Recchia, emphasizing the bipartisan support for Grimm's recovery.

Rehabilitation Efforts Commence

Grimm is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey.

The treatments aim to restore as much mobility and function as possible given his severe injuries.

"He’s currently immobilized and is currently being treated to try to give him the function that he can obtain. A lot of prayers are needed," stated Vincent Ignizio, a former Republican councilman and close friend of Grimm.

The hope, shared by friends and supporters, is that Grimm's condition will improve significantly over time, potentially allowing for more independence and mobility.

Leaders and Constituents Rally for Support

State Assemblyman Michael Tannousis also voiced his support, urging the community to rally behind Grimm in his time of need.

"Congressman Grimm is a dedicated public servant who served us on the battlefield and in the halls of Congress. We need to join together as one community to help Michael in his time of need," Tannousis expressed.

The sentiments reflect a widespread desire across the political spectrum to support Grimm during this challenging period. The GoFundMe page echoes this community spirit, describing Grimm as a former Marine and dedicated public servant who now faces one of his toughest battles.

"Our friend, former Marine, FBI Agent, and US Congressman Michael Grimm was paralyzed following a devastating accident when thrown from a horse in September 2024," reads the GoFundMe campaign sponsored by the Michael Grimm Supplemental Needs Fund.