Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik, known for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks and his close alliance with President Donald Trump, died Thursday after a sudden illness. He was 69.
Kerik led New York’s police force during its darkest hour alongside then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who called him “my best friend and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known.”
Bernie Kerik was a cop’s cop, a man’s man and a hero to New Yorkers on 9-11. As DA I worked with him when he was police commissioner. He was my friend. 😢 Rest in peace, Bernie. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/U5i2OkUZm0
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) May 30, 2025
Kerik’s career spanned military service, law enforcement, and a brief stint rebuilding Iraq’s police force. He was also a key voice for law-and-order conservatism on Newsmax.
Though his 2004 Homeland Security nomination collapsed over legal troubles, Trump granted him a full pardon in 2020, hailing his work on criminal justice reform.
Kerik leaves behind his wife Hala, three daughters, and a son who serves as a Newark police officer. A memorial service is expected soon.
