Following his heated interaction with a reporter on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm may be charged for threatening Michael Scotto of NY1 News, DNAinfo.com reported.
A congressional source reportedly told Fox News that authorities are discussing pressing charges against the New York congressman, who told Scotto that he would "break him like a boy" after being questioned about an investigation into his campaign finances.
"Let me be clear to you," Grimm said to Scotto, "You ever do that to me again I'll throw you off this f------ balcony."
When Scotto responded, arguing his question was valid, Grimm threatened to physically harm him.
"No, no, you're not man enough, you're not man enough. I'll break you in half, like a boy," Grimm said.
According to NY1, Scotto was contacted by Capitol Police on Friday but said he did not want to press charges. However, Grimm could still face criminal charges and action from the House Ethics Committee, Fox News said.
Although Grimm initially defended his actions, he later issued an apology and invited Scotto to lunch.
"I was wrong. I shouldn't have allowed my emotions to get the better of me and lose my cool. I have apologized to Michael Scotto, which he graciously accepted, and will be scheduling lunch soon," he said.
He also uploaded apologies to his social media accounts.
"I humbly apologize for my actions toward Michael Scotto on Tuesday night, my emotions got the best of me. I know I'm only human and very passionate, but this never should have happened and it won't ever again. My constituents have placed their trust in me, my parents both raised me better than this and I owe it to all of you to live up to those principles," Grimm said.
On Twitter, Scotto said he accepted the congressman's apology.
"@repmichaelgrimm called to apologize. He said he "overreacted." I accepted his apology," Scotto tweeted.
