NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been released from the intensive care unit at a Florida hospital, just three days after receiving last rites from a priest amid a severe bout of pneumonia. The 81-year-old politician and attorney, long known as "America's Mayor" for his leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was initially hospitalized in critical condition on Sunday, May 3. His spokesperson, Ted Goodman, announced the positive update on Wednesday, May 6, crediting the improvement to the "power of prayer."
"Mayor Rudy Giuliani is out of the ICU and will spend some time recovering before leaving the hospital," Goodman wrote in a tweet. "The mayor and his family appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers sent his way." Goodman, who has been Giuliani's representative through various health challenges, emphasized the former mayor's resilience in the face of adversity. "Mayor Giuliani — the man who took down the Mafia, saved New York City, and ran toward the towers on September 11th — is the same fighter he’s always been, and he’s winning this fight," he added. "The power of prayer is working. The mayor feels it. We feel it. Please keep them coming for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani."
The hospitalization stemmed from pneumonia that rapidly worsened due to underlying health issues linked to Giuliani's response to the 9/11 attacks. Goodman explained in a statement on Monday, May 4, that Giuliani's condition was complicated by restrictive airway disease, a diagnosis he received after his on-the-ground efforts at the World Trade Center site. During his tenure as mayor from January 1994 to December 2001, Giuliani was actively involved in coordinating the city's response to the attacks, traveling extensively through the affected areas to assess damage and assist those in need.
"On September 11th, Mayor Giuliani ran toward the towers to help those in need, which later led to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease," Goodman said. "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 spokesperson's comments highlight how Giuliani's heroic actions that day continue to impact his health more than two decades later.
Giuliani's doctor, Dr. Maria Ryan, provided further details on his critical state during an appearance on Fox News on May 4. She described how his health deteriorated so quickly that a priest was called to administer last rites. "He’s a fighter — the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him," Dr. Ryan said. "And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got [nine] lives … today he’s doing much better." Her remarks underscore the dramatic turn in Giuliani's condition, from near-fatal to signs of recovery within days.
Goodman had first confirmed the hospitalization to the New York Times on May 3, portraying Giuliani as undeterred by the severity of his illness. "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," he told the outlet. The rapid progression of the pneumonia, exacerbated by his pre-existing respiratory issues, necessitated immediate and intensive medical intervention in Florida, where Giuliani has resided in recent years.
This is not the first recent health scare for Giuliani, who has faced a series of medical setbacks. Just months ago, in August 2025, he was hospitalized following a car accident in New Hampshire. According to a statement from his team at the time, the incident occurred on the evening of August 30, 2025, after Giuliani stopped to assist a woman who was the victim of domestic violence.
"Prior to the incident, he was flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident. Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911. He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety," the statement read. While traveling on the highway afterward, Giuliani's vehicle was struck from behind at high speed. He was transported to a nearby trauma center, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg.
Giuliani's security guard, Michael Ragusa, provided additional context to BBC News following the accident. Ragusa recounted how Giuliani's decision to help the alleged victim delayed his travel, leading directly to the collision. Two weeks after the crash, Giuliani appeared at a 9/11 memorial event at One World Trade Center in New York City, photographed wearing a full chest brace and seated in a wheelchair. The event, held annually to honor the victims of the attacks, served as a poignant reminder of his enduring connection to that tragic day.
Throughout his career, Giuliani has been no stranger to high-stakes situations, from prosecuting organized crime as a U.S. Attorney in the 1980s to leading New York through its post-9/11 recovery. His time as mayor earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his visible presence amid the rubble of the Twin Towers. However, his later years have been marked by legal and personal controversies, including disbarment in New York and Washington, D.C., for his role in challenging the 2020 election results. Despite these challenges, supporters continue to rally around him, as evidenced by the prayers and messages Goodman referenced.
The outpouring of support mentioned by Goodman reflects Giuliani's polarizing yet influential status in American politics. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, for instance, had joked about Giuliani's "grave" situation just before the hospitalization became public, a comment that drew mixed reactions online. Such levity contrasts sharply with the gravity of Giuliani's health battle, highlighting the divided public perception of the figure once hailed as a national hero.
As Giuliani recovers, questions remain about his long-term health management, particularly given the interplay between his 9/11-related conditions and new illnesses. Dr. Ryan's description of his recovery as "like a miracle" suggests optimism, but medical experts not directly involved have cautioned that pneumonia in elderly patients with respiratory comorbidities can lead to lingering effects. Goodman has not specified the exact Florida hospital where Giuliani was treated, citing privacy concerns, but confirmed that the former mayor is expected to be discharged soon.
Giuliani's family has remained largely out of the public eye during this ordeal, though Goodman noted their appreciation for the support. The episode serves as a reminder of the lasting physical toll on first responders and leaders who were at Ground Zero, with organizations like the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund continuing to address related health claims. For Giuliani, who has advocated for such causes, this personal fight adds another layer to his narrative of perseverance.
Looking ahead, Giuliani's team has indicated he plans to resume public activities once fully recovered, though no specific timeline was given. His history of bouncing back—from political defeats to legal battles—suggests he may return to the spotlight soon. In the meantime, the story of his ICU exit, buoyed by faith and fighter spirit, has resonated with admirers who see it as emblematic of his unyielding character.
While details of his treatment remain limited, the convergence of medical, historical, and personal elements in Giuliani's latest health crisis underscores the complexities of aging public figures. As he steps away from the ICU, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and the broader conversation around post-9/11 health legacies.