The 81-year-old former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is hospitalized Monday while battling pneumonia, with his representative confirming he remains in critical but stable condition.
Giuliani gained worldwide recognition in 2001 for his leadership during New York’s response to the September 11 World Trade Center attacks, but his spokesperson revealed this experience resulted in him developing restrictive airway disease.
“This condition adds complications to any respiratory illness, and the virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition,” the statement explained, noting that Giuliani is now able to breathe without assistance.
The former mayor’s reputation as “America’s Mayor,” which he earned through his handling of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, became damaged following his unsuccessful attempts to challenge President Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss.
His involvement in the 2020 election controversy resulted in criminal charges filed against Giuliani in two states, as well as a defamation case brought by election workers. Giuliani maintains his innocence regarding the criminal allegations.
Current New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, extended well wishes to Giuliani on Monday for his recovery.
“He’s been a fixture in our city’s politics and public life for so many years. And I know that many New Yorkers are concerned by the reports that he’s in critical condition,” Mamdani said.
