Grimm caught on tape threatening reporter

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) seemingly threatened a reporter during an on-camera interview following Tuesday’s State of the Union address.

Grimm stormed off camera after a NY1 reporter began to ask him about allegations of campaign finance improprieties, only to return and get in the reporter’s face.

The television station’s political director tweeted that Grimm threatened the reporter.

@mikiebarb @eorden @repmichaelgrimm @mikescotto He threatened to throw him over the balcony and then said “I will break you in half” more tk

— Bob Hardt (@Bobmagic01) January 29, 2014

Grimm has faced a series of questions about his campaign finances in recent years. The outburst could hurt his reelection chances in a Staten Island-based swing district.

The congressman was unapologetic following the confrontation.

“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,” Grimm said in a statement.

“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.”

Updated at 12:05 a.m.