NEW YORK - Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch died early this morning at New York-Presbyterian/Columbian hospital.
A spokesman said the brash, three-term mayor died from congestive heart failure.
He had been in and out of the hopital in recent weeks.
Koch was 88.
Statements and condolences have been pouring all morning.
Here's a look at the statements from officials - and others - remembering the city's 105th mayor.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg:
"Earlier today, New York City lost an irrepressible icon, our most charismatic cheerleader and champion, Edward I. Koch. He was a great mayor, a great man, and a great friend. In elected office and as a private citizen, he was our most tireless, fearless, and guileless civic crusader. Through his tough, determined leadership and responsible fiscal stewardship, Ed helped lift the city out of its darkest days and set it on course for an incredible comeback. We will miss him dearly, but his good works – and his wit and wisdom – will forever be a part of the city he loved so much. His spirit will live on not only here at City Hall, and not only on the bridge the bears his name, but all across the five boroughs.
"I'm expressing my condolences on behalf of all 8.4 million New Yorkers, and I know so many of them will be keeping Mayor Koch and his family and friends in their thoughts prayers. As we mourn Mayor Koch's passing, the flags at all city buildings will be flying at half-staff in his memory."
Rev. Al Sharpton:
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Mayor Ed Koch. Throughout his twelve-years of being Mayor I was one of his most vociferous critics. In fact, my first arrest was leading a sit-in on him about summer jobs for youth in 1978. We later united and worked together around the country in a national campaign for non-violent drug offenders to give them a second chance in life and we ended up getting to know and understand each other. Although we argued about everything from my marching in Bensonhurst, to Florida and Trayvon Martin, and although we disagreed on politics from his views on President Obama to other matters, I have found that he was never a phony or a hypocrite. He would not patronize or deceive you. He said what he meant. He meant what he said. He fought for what he believed. May he rest in peace."
Rep. Peter King:
"I am terribly saddened by the passing of Mayor Ed Koch. Ed Koch was a true friend and trusted advisor. Ed Koch personified the spirit of New York. New York's Mayor For Life is now New York's Mayor for eternity. May he Rest In Peace."
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman:
"As a lifelong New Yorker, it's hard to imagine this city without Ed Koch. We will miss his keen mind, sharp wit, and absolute devotion to making a great city the best in the world. While we mourn his loss, we know that the legacy of his mayoralty, his commitment to civil rights and affordable housing, and his civic leadership long after he left City Hall, will live on for generations. I offer my sincere condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time."
Sen. Malcolm A. Smith:
"My heart is heavy this morning as my thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Mayor Ed Koch. I had the pleasure of working for Koch as one of his aides at City Hall. I was able to learn a lot from him and it was truly a pleasure to work for one of the greatest mayors that this city has ever seen. He will be deeply missed."
