New details have emerged about the car crash involving former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, revealing a domestic violence incident occurred nearby just before the collision. Giuliani, 81, suffered a fractured thoracic vertebrae and multiple lacerations after a 19-year-old driver allegedly rear-ended his car on 30 August in Manchester, New Hampshire. He has since been released from hospital.
According to Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security, the former mayor was “flagged down” by a woman involved in a domestic violence incident. Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911. New Hampshire State Police confirmed that a domestic violence incident had occurred near the crash scene, and that Ted Goodman, Giuliani’s spokesperson, initially reported it to law enforcement.
Prior to the crash, Giuliani and Goodman were travelling on I-93 southbound when they were flagged down by a woman on the side of the road. Goodman reported the incident to police just after 9 p.m., and they stayed until state troopers arrived. They then got back on the motorway, heading northbound. The collision occurred around 10 p.m., almost directly across from the domestic violence scene.
Police believe the driver who struck their Ford Bronco, identified as 19-year-old Lauren Kemp, had no connection to the domestic violence incident. No charges have been filed. Investigators are considering whether distraction or curiosity about the initial scene was a factor. Giuliani, Goodman, and Kemp were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Giuliani was released from hospital on Monday afternoon, according to his friend Arthur L. Aidala. “I have some healing to do, but I’m otherwise in great shape,” Giuliani reportedly said. Earlier on Monday, President Donald Trump announced that Giuliani would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Giuliani, known as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after 9/11, has been disbarred in Washington, D.C., and New York following his role in promoting false election claims and defaming two Georgia election workers.
