Michael Grimm Threatens to Throw Reporter Off Balcony (Video)

By Steven T. Dennis

Posted January 29, 2014 at 12:51am

Rep. Michael G. Grimm has gotten himself into another mess, threatening to throw a reporter off a balcony and “break you in half” after being asked about campaign finance allegations.

The interview with a NY1 reporter, already being circulated by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, shows Grimm refusing to answer any questions not related to the State of the Union and then threatening the reporter. NY1 <a href="https://www.ny1.com/content/politics/political_news/202674/rep--grimm-threatens-ny1-reporter-following-state-of-the-union">posted a transcript</a>, including the following: <blockquote>Grimm: “Let me be clear to you, you ever do that to me again I’ll throw you off this f—–g balcony.” Scotto: “Why? I just wanted to ask you …” [cross talk] Grimm: “If you ever do that to me again …” Scotto: “Why? Why? It’s a valid question.” [cross talk] Grimm: “No, no, you’re not man enough, you’re not man enough. I’ll break you in half. Like a boy.”</blockquote> Grimm later released a statement to NY1, saying: <blockquote>“I was extremely annoyed because I was doing NY1 a favor by rushing to do their interview first in lieu of several other requests. The reporter knew that I was in a hurry and was only there to comment on the State of the Union, but insisted on taking a disrespectful and cheap shot at the end of the interview, because I did not have time to speak off-topic. I verbally took the reporter to task and told him off, because I expect a certain level of professionalism and respect, especially when I go out of my way to do that reporter a favor. I doubt that I am the first Member of Congress to tell off a reporter, and I am sure I won’t be the last.”</blockquote> NY1 Political Director Bob Hardt demanded an apology in his own statement. “It is extremely disturbing when anyone threatens one of our reporters — let alone a U.S. Congressman. The NY1 family is certainly alarmed and disappointed by the behavior of Representative Grimm and demands a full apology from him. This behavior is unacceptable.” Hat tip to <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/johnstanton/new-york-gop-congressman-caught-on-tape-threatening-reporter">John Stanton at Buzzfeed</a>. </div> </div> </body>

Michael Grimm Threatens to Throw Reporter Off Balcony (Video)

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