Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani recovering from pneumonia and 'now breathing on his own'

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and long-time champion of President Donald Trump, is recovering from pneumonia and "is now breathing on his own", according to his spokesman.In a statement on X, spokesman Ted Goodman said that Giuliani has had "restrictive airway disease" since the 9/11 terror attacks that diminished his ability to fight off pneumonia."The virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition," Goodman said. But he added that Giuliani, "the ultimate fighter", is now "winning this battle". Giuliani, 81, remains in hospital, "in critical but stable condition," Goodman said."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.After "mechanical ventilation," Goodman said Giuliani "is now breathing on his own, with his family and primary medical provider at his side."Diseases caused by the toxic dust and smoke in the 9/11 attacks have continued to cause health issues among victims and first responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical workers.These diseases have claimed twice as many lives in the 25 years since as the attacks themselves, researchers say.