On August 30, 2025, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, aged 81, was seriously injured in a car accident in Manchester, New Hampshire, shortly after assisting a woman who reported being a victim of domestic violence. The crash, which occurred on Interstate 93 northbound around 10 p.m., has garnered widespread attention due to Giuliani’s public profile, his act of heroism, and online speculation about the incident’s circumstances.

The Crash and Giuliani’s Actions

According to Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security, Giuliani was traveling in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his associate, Ted Goodman, when a woman flagged them down on Interstate 93, claiming she was a victim of domestic violence. True to his reputation as “America’s Mayor,” Giuliani stopped to assist, dialed 911, and stayed until New Hampshire State Police arrived to handle the situation. The domestic violence case was under investigation on the southbound side of the highway.

After ensuring the woman’s safety, Giuliani and Goodman resumed their journey northbound. Moments later, their vehicle was rear-ended at high speed by a Honda HR-V driven by 19-year-old Lauren Kemp of Concord, New Hampshire. The impact forced both vehicles into the median, causing significant damage. Troopers and fire personnel, already nearby for the domestic violence call, witnessed the collision and quickly provided aid.

Injuries and Recovery

Giuliani was rushed to a local trauma center, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured thoracic vertebra, lacerations, and contusions to his left arm and lower leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, Ragusa reported that Giuliani remains “in great spirits and recovering well,” describing him as alert and responsive. Maria Ryan, Giuliani’s business partner and a nurse practitioner, is overseeing his care. He is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days and will wear a brace for his spinal injury upon discharge.

Ted Goodman and Lauren Kemp also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at nearby hospitals. All parties are expected to make a full recovery.

Public Support and Reactions

The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for Giuliani, known for his leadership during the 9/11 attacks. His son, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, thanked supporters on X, saying, “Your prayers for my Father mean everything. He’s the toughest man I know.” Public figures, including Laura Loomer and Benny Johnson, called for prayers for “America’s Mayor” on X. Former President Donald Trump, whom Giuliani served as personal attorney, recently praised him as “the greatest mayor in New York history” and expressed support during an August 2025 event.

Ongoing Investigation and Speculation

New Hampshire State Police are investigating the crash, with no charges filed as of September 1, 2025. The collision’s cause is under scrutiny, with early reports suggesting excessive speed by the 19-year-old driver as a possible factor. Details about the domestic violence incident remain limited, and it’s unclear if Giuliani’s 911 call was officially logged.

Online, some X users have speculated about foul play, questioning whether the crash could be connected to the domestic violence incident or Giuliani’s controversial public persona. One post suggested the possibility that the woman’s abuser targeted Giuliani’s vehicle. However, Michael Ragusa dismissed these claims, stating, “This was not a targeted attack,” and noted that Giuliani’s rental car made him unrecognizable. He urged the public to avoid spreading unverified theories. Authorities have found no evidence of foul play, treating the incident as an accident.

Giuliani’s Current Context

The crash occurs during a challenging period for Giuliani. Once celebrated for combating New York’s mafia in the 1980s and leading the city post-9/11, his reputation has been strained by legal troubles. In 2024, he was disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., for false 2020 election claims. In 2023, he was ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers he defamed, leading to a 2023 bankruptcy filing. A January 2025 settlement allowed him to retain assets like his homes and World Series rings in exchange for compensation and a commitment to stop defamatory statements.

Despite these setbacks, Giuliani remains active, attending a New Hampshire Fisher Cats baseball game hours before the crash, as reported by WMUR. His “America’s Mayor Live” broadcasts on X continue to engage his audience.

Looking Forward

The crash has reignited discussions about Giuliani’s complex legacy, from his 9/11 heroism to his recent controversies. His decision to aid a domestic violence victim underscores his public service instincts, while the accident highlights the risks of roadside assistance and road safety concerns. As Giuliani recovers, his team remains optimistic, with Ragusa stating, “The Mayor is eager to get back to work in a few days.” The incident, combined with ongoing investigations and public support, ensures Giuliani’s story remains a focal point in national news