Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has been hospitalized in critical condition, according to his spokesman.
The update was shared Sunday, though few details have been released about what led to the 81-year-old’s hospitalization or how long he has been receiving care.
“Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak,” spokesman Ted Goodman said in a statement. “We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor — Rudy Giuliani.”
Just days earlier, Giuliani appeared on his online program, America’s Mayor Live, broadcasting from Palm Beach, Florida. During the show, he appeared noticeably unwell, coughing and speaking with a raspy voice.
“My voice is a little under the weather,” he told viewers at the time. “So I won’t be able to speak as loudly as I usually do.”
Giuliani earned the nickname “America’s Mayor” for his leadership in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when he became a unifying figure during one of the nation’s darkest moments.
In more recent years, he became a more polarizing figure due to his role as an adviser and personal lawyer to Donald Trump. He was later pardoned by Trump after facing legal issues connected to efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Current New York City mayor Eric Adams also issued a statement following the news, putting aside political differences.
“We may not always agree politically, but this moment rises above politics,” Adams said, wishing Giuliani “strength, good health, and a full recovery.”
Before entering politics, Giuliani built a reputation as a high-profile federal prosecutor, taking on organized crime and financial corruption cases. He was elected mayor of New York City in 1993 and later briefly ran for the U.S. Senate in 2000 before stepping down after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
At this time, no further updates have been provided regarding his condition.
