Former New York City mayor and personal lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, has been hospitalized following a car crash near Manchester, New Hampshire. The incident occurred late Saturday evening, resulting in a fractured vertebra and other injuries, according to his spokesman, Michael Ragusa.
Ragusa reported on X that Giuliani’s rental car was struck from behind at high speed. He emphasized that the crash was not a targeted attack. Giuliani, 81, was taken to a nearby trauma center where he is being treated for a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
Prior to the accident, Giuliani had reportedly stopped to assist a woman involved in a domestic violence incident, contacting police on her behalf. After the police arrived, Giuliani resumed his journey and was hit shortly after merging onto the highway. Ragusa clarified in a statement to The Associated Press that the crash was “entirely unrelated” to the earlier domestic violence incident.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Giuliani is said to be “in great spirits” and is expected to be released from the hospital within a few days, according to Ragusa.
Giuliani’s Tumultuous Recent Years
The accident marks another chapter in a series of turbulent years for Giuliani, who once earned the moniker “America’s Mayor” for his leadership following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Giuliani later became a prominent figure in Trump’s legal team, particularly noted for his vocal support of Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
These claims led to numerous lawsuits, all of which failed to prove any significant wrongdoing. Giuliani’s legal battles did not end there. He was recently involved in a defamation case where two former Georgia election workers won a $148 million judgment against him. The case stemmed from Giuliani’s false allegations against them during the election fraud claims.
“Trump and his backers lost dozens of lawsuits claiming fraud, and numerous recounts, reviews and audits of the election results turned up no signs of significant wrongdoing or error.”
Legal and Financial Challenges
As Giuliani faced the defamation judgment, he was found in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders related to the case. He confronted the possibility of a trial over the ownership of some of his assets, including prized World Series rings. However, Giuliani reached a settlement that allowed him to retain his homes and various belongings in exchange for unspecified compensation and a promise to refrain from further defamatory statements about the election workers.
The move represents a significant turn in Giuliani’s career, as he navigates both legal and financial challenges while maintaining his public persona. His recent accident adds a personal health dimension to his ongoing struggles.
Looking Ahead
As Giuliani recovers from his injuries, questions linger about his future both in the legal sphere and in public life. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of his recent years, marked by legal battles and public scrutiny. Observers will be watching closely to see how Giuliani’s situation evolves, particularly in light of his past prominence in both political and legal arenas.
The announcement of Giuliani’s expected release from the hospital in the coming days provides a moment of relief amid the ongoing challenges he faces. As he recuperates, the broader implications of his legal and public struggles remain a subject of significant interest and speculation.
