Michael Grimm Apologizes After Threatening Reporter

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) called NY1 reporter Michael Scotto and apologized after getting in his face and threatening to "break" him "in half."

Scotto and other NY1 reporters tweeted about the apology on Wednesday:

Grimm released the following statement:

I was wrong. I shouldn't have allowed my emotions ot get the better of me and lose my cool. I have apologized to Michael Scotto, which he graciously accepted, and will be scheduling a lunch soon. In the weeks and months ahead I'll be working hard for my constituents on issues like flood insurance that is so desperately needed in my district post Sandy.

After Tuesday's State of the Union address, Grimm spoke with Scotto but refused to answer any questions about allegations concerning his campaign finances. Grimm confronted Scotto after the interview ended but while cameras were still rolling, threatening to throw the reporter "off this f***ing balcony."

See a video of the confrontation (story continues below):

Grimm later released a statement accusing Scotto of "taking a disrespectful and cheap shot" during the interview.

"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," Grimm's statement said.

This post has been updated with Grimm's statement.