Rudy Giuliani, the 81-year-old former mayor of New York City and a prominent ally of Donald Trump, has been hospitalized and is currently in a “critical but stable condition,” according to his spokesperson, Ted Goodman. Goodman conveyed the news via social media, stating, “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. We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani.”

The exact reason for Giuliani’s hospitalization and how long he has been admitted remains undisclosed, though he is reportedly in a Florida hospital. Just days before his admission, on Friday night, Giuliani hosted his online program, “America’s Mayor Live,” from Florida. During the show, he mentioned that his voice was “a little under the weather” and was heard coughing, suggesting he might have been unwell prior to his hospitalization.

Giuliani gained significant public acclaim for his leadership and response following the devastating September 11, 2001, al-Qaida terrorist attacks on New York City, which earned him the moniker “America’s Mayor.” His political career also included serving as a high-profile federal prosecutor, tackling mobsters and corrupt Wall Street traders, before being elected mayor of New York City in 1993, serving two terms. During his tenure, he implemented controversial crime-fighting strategies such as the “broken windows” philosophy and the “stop and frisk” program. In 2000, he withdrew from the U.S. Senate race against Hillary Clinton after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

In more recent years, Giuliani became a central figure in Donald Trump’s efforts to challenge and overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This role led to severe consequences, including criminal charges in two U.S. states, a $148 million defamation lawsuit from Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss (for which he later filed for bankruptcy with staggering debts of $153 million against assets of less than $10 million), and his disbarment in both Washington, D.C., and New York. Despite these legal battles, Giuliani has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Upon learning of Giuliani’s hospitalization, Donald Trump expressed his support on Truth Social, praising him as “Our fabulous Rudy Giuliani, a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR.” Trump further stated, without evidence, that Giuliani had been “right about everything” and criticized Democrats for allegedly trying “to destroy our nation.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams also extended his well wishes, acknowledging Giuliani’s dedication to the city, especially during 9/11, and expressed hopes for a full recovery.

This is not Giuliani’s first hospitalization in recent times; he was previously admitted last year after a car crash in New Hampshire, where he sustained a fractured vertebra and other injuries. Additionally, he garnered attention earlier this year for his critical remarks towards comedian Jimmy Kimmel following jokes made about Melania Trump.