Who was Bernard Kerik? Former NYPD police commissioner and 9/11 hero dies at age 69

Bernard Kerik , former New York Police Commissioner and 9/11 hero , has died at age 69, the New York Police Department confirmed on Thursday via social media.

The NYPD is mourning the passing of former Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.

For nearly two decades, Kerik served and protected New Yorkers in the NYPD, including helping rebuild the city in the aftermath of 9/11.

We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DG4EuFVloN

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 30, 2025

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel paid tributes and said, “Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness.” He described Kerik as “a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known.”

Patel added, “He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor, and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts, and brought some of the world’s most dangerous criminals to justice.”

“His legacy is not just in the medals or the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor,” Patel said.

Today, 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. Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness.

With over forty years of service in law enforcement…

— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) May 30, 2025

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani remembered their long friendship on “The Rudy Giuliani Show.” 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,” Giuliani added.

I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Bernie Kerik. He was a decorated police officer, Corrections commissioner and NYC police commissioner during the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Bernie oversaw the biggest evacuation of a city during this time. His work in… pic.twitter.com/NeFDm7Dj1t

— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) May 30, 2025

Who was Bernard Kerik?
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1955, Kerik dropped out of high school but earned a GED before joining the US Army. After military service, he pursued a career in law enforcement, eventually rising through the ranks.

Appointed by Giuliani as police commissioner in 2000, Kerik gained national prominence during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, coordinating emergency response efforts alongside Giuliani after the World Trade Center collapse.

Over his 35-year career, Kerik received more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism from former President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In 2010, Kerik was convicted of federal tax fraud and false statement charges related to over $250,000 in apartment renovations funded by a construction firm. He was sentenced to three years in prison and released in 2013. In 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned him.

A staunch Trump ally and vocal critic of the criminal justice system, Kerik later worked with Giuliani investigating claims of election fraud after the 2020 elections. He was also called to testify before the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots, according to Fox News.