Former Governor George Pataki (R‑NY) announced he lives with a lung disease tied to the toxic dust from the 9/11 attacks, just days before the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.
Pataki’s Diagnosis
Pataki told The New York Post he received a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease about five years ago after months of breathing contaminated air at Ground Zero.
“I just look at it as I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said, adding that he feels great after 25 years and only endures a minor residual impact.
He contrasted his condition with those who suffered far worse illnesses and cancers linked to prolonged exposure.
Giuliani’s Parallel Battle
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, also a Republican, disclosed a similar restrictive airway disease when he was hospitalized for pneumonia months earlier.
His spokesperson explained that the disease made routine illnesses such as flu and colds far more dangerous for him.
Political Rift on Memorial Attendance
Pataki urged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to stay away from the 9/11 memorial events, citing Mamdani’s past remarks and alleged ties to radical Muslim and antisemitic figures.
“If he distances himself from Hasan Piker and condemns the ‘globalize the intifada’ statement, I would have no problem with his presence,” Pataki said.
Mamdani, a self‑identified democratic socialist, announced he would still attend the memorials and, during a recent signing ceremony, handed a ceremonial pen to an official with known links to 9/11 terrorists.
