Bernard Kerik, once lauded for his leadership in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and a longtime fixture in New York law enforcement, has passed away at the age of 69.
The news of his passing was shared Thursday evening by FBI Director Kash Patel, who revealed that Kerik had been quietly battling illness. “Rest easy, Commissioner. Your watch has ended, but your impact will never fade,” Patel wrote.
Kerik first came to national attention in the days following the September 11 terrorist attacks, standing shoulder to shoulder with then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani as they led the city through its darkest hours.
In the chaotic aftermath of the World Trade Center’s collapse, Kerik played a key role in organizing the city’s emergency response efforts, becoming a symbol of strength amid devastation.
Throughout his 35-year career in public service, Kerik received over 100 honors recognizing his courage and dedication. These included a presidential commendation for heroism from President Ronald Reagan, as well as two Distinguished Service Awards issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
Appointed police commissioner in 2000, Kerik led the NYPD until 2001. Years later, in 2009, he admitted guilt to eight criminal charges—among them tax violations and lying during a background check as he was being considered for the top job at the Department of Homeland Security in 2004.
Following his conviction, Kerik served nearly three years behind bars, then transitioned to home confinement and was later placed on supervised release. His record was wiped clean in 2020 when President Donald Trump issued a full pardon.
After his time in prison, Kerik became a vocal opponent of what he viewed as flaws in the criminal justice system, aligning himself closely with Trump in public discourse and political advocacy.
Kerik also partnered with Giuliani in probing allegations of election irregularities after the 2020 presidential race, and he was later subpoenaed by the congressional committee investigating the events of January 6.
Born in 1955 in Newark, New Jersey, Kerik left high school before graduating, but later obtained his GED. He joined the U.S. Army and served honorably before returning to civilian life, where he began a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became head of New York City’s Department of Correction and, later, was tapped by Giuliani to lead the NYPD.
{Matzav.com}