By: Justin Winograd

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized in New Hampshire after suffering a serious back injury in a late-night car accident, his spokesperson confirmed. The 81-year-old, who rose to national prominence as “America’s Mayor” in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, was struck from behind while travelling on a highway Saturday evening.

According to Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s spokesperson and head of security, the collision left the former mayor with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, along with lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg. The Independent of the UK reported that Giuliani was swiftly transported to a nearby trauma center, where he is undergoing treatment and further testing.

In an unusual twist, Giuliani’s team revealed that just prior to the accident, the 81-year-old had intervened in a domestic violence incident. Ragusa told The Independent of the UK that Giuliani was “flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident” and immediately stepped in to assist.

“Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911,” Ragusa said in a statement cited by The Independent of the UK. “He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety.”

Shortly afterwards, while his vehicle was travelling on the highway, it was struck at high speed from behind. Investigators have not yet released details of the other vehicle involved, nor whether charges may follow. The Independent of the UK noted that the New Hampshire Highway Patrol has been contacted for further information.

Doctors at the trauma center determined Giuliani had sustained a fracture to his thoracic vertebrae, an injury that often requires long-term recovery and may necessitate the use of a brace. According to The Independent, Giuliani will remain hospitalized in the Manchester area for several more days while he undergoes additional tests.

Ragusa said that Giuliani’s “business partner and medical provider” had joined him at the hospital to oversee his care. Despite the severity of the injuries, he added that the former mayor is “in good spirits and recovering tremendously,” a sentiment echoed in a message on social media.

The New York Post reported that once discharged, Giuliani is expected to wear a supportive brace during recovery.

The accident prompted immediate reactions from Giuliani’s family and political allies. His son Andrew Giuliani, who currently serves as head of the White House’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, issued a public plea for prayers. “Please keep my father in your thoughts and prayers,” he said, as quoted in The Independent.

Prominent Republican figures also posted well-wishes on social media. Conservative activist Laura Loomer urged her followers to “pray for his recovery,” while podcaster Benny Johnson called Giuliani “America’s Mayor” and echoed the appeal for prayers.

Giuliani’s hospitalization comes at a particularly fraught moment in his public life. Widely revered for his leadership as New York’s mayor from 1994 until 2001, he has since endured a turbulent political and legal trajectory.

Giuliani served as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer during the president’s first term and became one of the most outspoken promoters of false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

In January, Giuliani settled with two Georgia election workers who successfully sued him for defamation after he falsely accused them of manipulating ballots. A jury had awarded the pair $148 million in damages before the settlement.