NEWS ALERT: Marking the end of an era, America has lost a true patriot and hero with the passing of Bernard “Bernie” Kerik at the age of 69.
Known as “America’s Cop,” Kerik led the NYPD during the darkest day in modern American history, 9/11.
Kerik, who served as New York City’s 40th police commissioner from 2000 to 2001 under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, passed away at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital after battling cardiac disease.
Giuliani stated:
“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.”
Kerik was surrounded by family and friends in his final moments. His leadership during the September 11th terrorist attacks became the defining moment of a career spanning over four decades in law enforcement and national security.
During his tenure as police commissioner, Kerik achieved what many thought impossible: reducing violent crime in America’s largest city by a staggering 63%.
Kerik’s dedication to America did not begin or end with his NYPD service. As an Army veteran and former corrections officer, he devoted his entire adult life to protecting Americans.
Following 9/11, he served in President George W. Bush’s administration, helping restore order and security in Iraq.
In 2005, he founded the Kerik Group, a crisis and risk management consulting firm that continued his legacy of public safety expertise.
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
FBI Director Kash Patel praised Kerik in a statement:
“With over forty years of service in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people. As the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernie led with strength and resolve in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, guiding the NYPD through one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.”
Though Kerik encountered legal troubles that led to a prison sentence for tax fraud, President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon in 2020.
Following his release, Kerik became a powerful advocate for criminal justice and prison reform, working to fix a system he had experienced firsthand.
Kerik also stood firmly with President Trump in questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.
He contributed his investigative expertise to efforts examining voter fraud allegations.
Throughout his career, Kerik earned over 100 awards for bravery and service, including the prestigious NYPD Medal for Valor.
These accolades recognized not just his personal courage but also his ability to inspire and lead others during America’s most challenging moments.
Even political opponents acknowledged his exceptional service, with current New York Mayor Eric Adams calling him “a great New Yorker and American.”
Kerik is survived by his wife, Hala Matil Kerik, and three children, including a son who entered law enforcement, following in his father’s footsteps.
