Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik Dies at 69

Bernard Kerik, former NYPD Commissioner who led the department during the 9/11 attacks, has died at age 69 following cardiac illness. Known as "America's Cop," Kerik served as New York's police commissioner from 2000 to 2001 under Mayor Rudy Giuliani, overseeing a significant reduction in violent crime. His leadership during the September 11 terrorist attacks earned him national recognition for coordinating response and recovery efforts.

Kerik's career intersected with multiple presidential administrations. President George W. Bush appointed him to lead Iraq's provisional police force in 2003 and later nominated him to head the Department of Homeland Security, a nomination Kerik withdrew amid controversy. In 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik for federal felony convictions that had previously resulted in a four-year prison sentence. Most recently, Kerik served as a Trump surrogate on crime and national security issues during the 2024 campaign.

The former commissioner's political involvement extended beyond his law enforcement career. Kerik was questioned by Congress regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and was subpoenaed for Trump administration documents related to investigations. His decades-long career included service in the US Army before joining the NYPD in 1986, followed by leadership roles in the Department of Corrections and eventually the police commissioner position.

Kerik's legacy reflects both professional accomplishments and controversies. His accolades include the NYPD Medal for Valor, 29 medals for excellence and meritorious service, and a Presidential Commendation from Ronald Reagan. However, his career was also marked by legal troubles, including guilty pleas to ethics violations in 2006 and eight federal felonies in 2009 related to tax evasion and false statements to federal officials. Kerik is survived by his wife, Hala Matil Kerik, and three children.