BREAKING NEWS ALERT: America has lost a true patriot as the former NYPD police commissioner, who heroically led the city through the 9/11 terror attacks, has died at age 69 after battling cardiac disease.
Named “America’s cop,” Bernard Kerik passed away at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
As the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City from 2000 to 2001 under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Kerik’s leadership resulted in an impressive 63% reduction in violent crime.
Giuliani said:
“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 security has benefited many communities.”
His leadership during America’s darkest hour on September 11, 2001, cemented his reputation as a patriot who put country above self.
Kerik stood strong amid chaos, guiding both his department and traumatized New Yorkers through unimaginable tragedy.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised Kerik in a heartfelt statement:
“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.”
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
Kerik’s career included service as an Army veteran before working as a corrections officer and eventually joining the NYPD.
There, he earned over 100 awards for bravery and service, including the NYPD Medal for Valor.
Former President George W. Bush recognized his qualities when he nominated Kerik for Homeland Security Secretary in 2004.
Bush stated, “Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September the 11th. The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on his job.”
Though Kerik faced legal troubles, pleading guilty to federal tax fraud charges and serving three years in prison, President Donald Trump recognized Kerik’s service to America and pardoned him in 2020.
Following his release, Kerik dedicated himself to advocating for criminal justice and prison reform, showing his commitment to making America better for all citizens.
In recent years, Kerik remained loyal to the MAGA movement, working alongside Rudy Giuliani to investigate election integrity concerns following the contested 2020 presidential election.
He also investigated the January 6th Capitol protests, consistently seeking the truth.
In 2003, Kerik demonstrated his patriotism yet again by serving in President Bush’s administration in Iraq, helping rebuild security forces in a war-torn nation.
In 2005, he founded the Kerik Group, a crisis and risk management consulting firm that continued his life’s mission of protecting Americans.
Kerik is survived by his wife, Hala Matil Kerik, and three children, including a son who follows in his father’s footsteps in law enforcement.
