Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire on Saturday night after stopping to help a woman who had been the victim of domestic violence, his spokesman confirmed Sunday.
Giuliani, 81, sustained multiple injuries — including a fractured vertebrae, cuts, and bruises to his left arm and lower leg — when the rental car he was driving was struck from behind at high speed. He was taken to a hospital in the Manchester area, where he is expected to remain for several days before continuing recovery in a back brace.
Helping a Victim Before the Crash
According to Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security, the chain of events began when the former mayor was flagged down by a woman in distress.
“Mayor Giuliani was flagged down by a woman who was a victim of domestic violence prior to the accident. He rendered assistance and contacted 911, remaining on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety,” Ragusa said in a statement.
It was only after reentering his vehicle that the collision occurred. “The accident happened after he re-entered his vehicle, which was then hit from behind at high speed,” Ragusa added.
Hospitalization and Recovery
Doctors confirmed that Giuliani suffered a fractured vertebrae, a painful injury that will require him to wear a brace during his recovery. He also sustained numerous cuts and bruises, particularly on his arm and leg. Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Ragusa described him as resilient.
“The mayor is in great spirits. He’s a beast. He survived 9/11,” Ragusa said, invoking Giuliani’s leadership during the September 11 terrorist attacks, when he became widely known as “America’s Mayor.”
Giuliani is expected to remain under observation for another two or three days before being discharged. His business partner, Maria Ryan, a nurse practitioner, is helping oversee his care and confirmed he is undergoing further tests and stabilization.
Family Response
His son, Andrew Giuliani, posted updates Sunday, expressing relief that his father’s condition was not worse.
“Thank Goodness he’s doing OK,” Andrew told The Post. “Fractured vertebrae. More to come … Please keep him in your prayers.”
The younger Giuliani, who has remained active in politics himself, noted the family was grateful for the medical care his father was receiving and the outpouring of support from friends and supporters nationwide.
A Career of Resilience
Giuliani’s hospitalization adds another chapter to the turbulent later years of a career once defined by national acclaim. As New York’s mayor from 1994 to 2001, he was credited with reducing crime and guiding the city through the immediate aftermath of 9/11. His steady presence during that crisis cemented his reputation as a symbol of resilience.
In recent years, however, Giuliani has faced a series of legal, financial, and political challenges linked to his work as Donald Trump’s personal attorney. He has been embroiled in defamation lawsuits, disciplinary actions, and federal investigations, all of which have strained his once-formidable stature.
Saturday’s crash reminded supporters and detractors alike of Giuliani’s longstanding reputation for toughness. Even at 81, aides and family members were quick to portray him as determined to recover.
Public Reaction
News of Giuliani’s injuries quickly spread, prompting reactions across political lines. Supporters highlighted his decision to assist a domestic violence victim as emblematic of his lifelong commitment to public service.
“Only Rudy would be pulling over at 81 years old to help someone in distress,” one ally remarked online. “He’s always been a first responder at heart.”
Others pointed out the irony of a man known for toughness and survival finding himself in yet another personal battle. “If anyone can get through a fractured back at his age, it’s Rudy,” wrote another supporter on social media.
Looking Ahead
While Giuliani faces weeks, if not months, of recovery, those closest to him remain optimistic. Ragusa emphasized that his condition is stable and that he remains mentally sharp and upbeat.
“The mayor has always been strong in the face of adversity,” Ragusa said. “He’s already talking about what’s next.”
For Giuliani, who has spent a lifetime navigating crises both personal and political, the accident represents yet another test of endurance.
As his family and supporters rally around him, the former mayor — once again thrust into the headlines under extraordinary circumstances — is expected to spend the coming weeks focusing not on politics or legal battles, but on the slow, painful work of healing.