Bernard Kerik, who led the NYPD during 9/11 and later faced federal charges, dies aged 69

Bernard Kerik death was confirmed by the New York Police Department on Thursday. The former New York City Police Commissioner, who led the department during the September 11 attacks, passed away at age 69 on May 29, 2025, after a private illness, according to a close source.

“For nearly two decades, Kerik served and protected New Yorkers, including helping rebuild the city after 9/11,” the NYPD said in a statement on X. FBI Director Kash Patel also paid tribute, calling Kerik “a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known.”

Kerik’s career was marked by both heroic service and controversy. He was appointed NYPD commissioner in August 2000, having previously served as New York City’s Commissioner of Corrections. He played a pivotal role during the 9/11 terror attacks, leading the department through one of the city’s darkest hours.

Following his tenure, Kerik’s reputation was marred by legal troubles. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony charges including tax fraud and lying to officials and was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison. He was released after serving three years for good behaviour. In 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik, a political ally who also assisted Trump’s legal team investigating alleged voter fraud after the 2020 election.

Kerik worked closely with Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and Trump lawyer, dating back to the early 1990s when he served as Giuliani’s bodyguard and driver. Giuliani expressed heartbreak over Kerik’s death, describing him as a “decorated police officer” and key figure during 9/11.

Kerik was once nominated by President George W. Bush to be Homeland Security Secretary but withdrew amid scrutiny over tax issues and an employee’s immigration status. Despite his legal issues, Kerik remained involved in high-profile cases, including advising Navy SEAL Edward “Eddie” Gallagher during his controversial military trial in 2019.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, on September 4, 1955, Kerik served in the US Army from 1974 to 1977 before embarking on his law enforcement career. His memoir, published in 2015, detailed his journey from police officer to federal inmate and back into public life.

Kerik’s passing marks the end of a complex and turbulent chapter in New York’s recent history, reflecting both profound public service and scandal.