Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 81, is currently in critical but stable condition at a hospital near Palm Beach, Florida, after being hospitalized with pneumonia and placed on a ventilator, his spokesperson confirmed Monday. Giuliani is now breathing on his own, though he continues to be closely monitored as a precaution.

Spokesperson Ted Goodman attributed the severity of Giuliani’s condition to restrictive airway disease, which Giuliani developed following his exposure to dust and toxic substances during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Goodman said the pre-existing condition complicated Giuliani’s respiratory illness, as the virus rapidly overwhelmed his body and necessitated mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen levels and stabilize his health.

The former mayor, who was heard coughing on his nightly online show “America’s Mayor Live” last Friday and described his voice as “a little under the weather,” is surrounded by family and his primary medical team. Goodman expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of love and support” from well-wishers and emphasized Giuliani’s resilience, calling him “the ultimate fighter” who is “winning this battle.” He also noted Giuliani’s belief in the power of prayer as a source of strength during his recovery.

Giuliani’s political career includes serving as New York City’s mayor from 1994 to 2001, during which he gained national recognition for his leadership following the 9/11 attacks. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. A Republican, Giuliani sought the presidency in 2007 but was unsuccessful. More recently, he served as a legal advisor and personal attorney to former President Donald Trump, playing a prominent role in challenging the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Trump publicly praised Giuliani amid his hospitalization, referring to him as a “True Warrior” and “the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR” in posts on his social media platform. Trump also lamented how Giuliani, in his view, had been treated poorly by Democrats and accused political opponents of undermining the nation. Giuliani’s efforts to contest the 2020 election results, which were won by Democrat Joe Biden, included numerous legal challenges that were ultimately unsuccessful. Two former Georgia election workers won a $148 million defamation judgment against Giuliani after he made allegations against them, leading to a legal dispute over his assets that was later resolved through a settlement.

Earlier health issues include a hospitalization last September following a car crash in New Hampshire that resulted in a fractured vertebra and other injuries. A native New Yorker and former federal prosecutor, Giuliani’s career has also involved campaigns for public office beyond the mayoralty and active engagement in national political commentary.

As Giuliani receives treatment in Florida, his family and medical team remain by his side, and his spokesperson continues to provide updates on his condition.