BREAKING NOW: Leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to law enforcement and national security, one of America’s 9/11 heroes has died at 69.
Known as “America’s Cop” for his leadership during the devastating September 11 attacks, Bernard Kerik stood tall when the nation needed strength most.
His extraordinary journey from decorated police officer to NYPD Commissioner embodied American resilience during the nation’s darkest hour.
Kerik passed away at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital after battling cardiac disease, surrounded by family and loved ones.
The 40th Police Commissioner of New York City served under Mayor Rudy Giuliani from 2000 to 2001.
He became a national symbol of courage during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks that forever changed America.
His leadership during that critical period earned him praise across the political spectrum for helping rebuild a shattered city.
During his tenure as commissioner, Kerik achieved remarkable results in making New York safer, reducing violent crime by an impressive 63%.
Before rising to the NYPD’s top position, he served as an Army veteran and corrections officer.
Throughout his 40-year career in law enforcement, he ultimately accumulated over 100 awards, including the prestigious NYPD Medal for Valor.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who visited Kerik shortly before his passing, expressed his deep respect:
“It was just this afternoon that I stopped by the hospital to see Bernie Kerik, my friend of nearly 30 years, before his passing. He was with his loved ones who are in my prayers tonight. He was a great New Yorker and American.”
🚨🇺🇸 BERNARD KERIK, 9/11 NYPD COMMISSIONER PARDONED BY TRUMP, DIES AT 69
Bernard Kerik, who led the NYPD during 9/11 and later served prison time for tax fraud before receiving a pardon from Trump, has died at 69 after a private illness.
The NYPD confirmed his death Thursday.… pic.twitter.com/dzqFiDcWWk
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 30, 2025
Kerik’s dedication to public service extended far beyond New York City. In 2003, he served in President George W. Bush’s administration in Iraq, and in 2004, he was nominated to become Secretary of Homeland Security.
He later withdrew from consideration due to personal and legal issues, but his commitment to national security remained unwavering.
He founded the Kerik Group, a crisis and risk management consulting firm, in 2005.
Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who worked closely with Kerik for decades, shared an emotional tribute.
He said,” We’ve been together since the beginning. He’s like my brother. I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man.”
Despite his accomplishments, Kerik faced legal troubles, pleading guilty to federal tax fraud charges that resulted in a three-year prison sentence.
However, his service to the nation was recognized when President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon in 2020.
After his time in prison, Kerik became an advocate for criminal justice and prison reform, using his own experience to push for changes in a system he had once enforced.
In recent years, he demonstrated his continued patriotism by supporting efforts to investigate election integrity concerns following the 2020 presidential election and was involved in investigating the January 6 Capitol events.
FBI Director Kash Patel summed up Kerik’s legacy:
“We mourn the loss of Bernard B. Kerik, a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known…With over forty years of service in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people.”
Kerik is survived by his wife, Hala Matil Kerik, and three children, including a son who followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a cop.
