Bernard Kerik dies at 69

Bernard Kerik, who was New York City’s police commissioner during the 9/11 attacks, later pleaded guilty to tax fraud and was then pardoned during President Trump’s first term, died Thursday night at the age of 69. 

FBI Director Kash Patel announced Kerik’s death in a post on the social platform X, saying the law enforcement officer and Army veteran died after a “private battle with illness.” 

“He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor, and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts, and brought some of the world’s most dangerous criminals to justice,” Patel said. 

“His legacy is not just in the medals or the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor,” the FBI director added. 

The New York City Police Department confirmed Kerik’s death, offering “our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.” 

Kerik, who was praised for his response during the 9/11 attacks, pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud and false statement charges in 2009, in part for getting $250,000 for apartment renovations from a construction company. He was in prison for three years, from 2010-13. 

Trump pardoned him in 2020.

Kerik was nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security in 2004 by former President Bush, but shortly after, Kerik withdrew his nomination, saying he had uncovered information that led him to second-guess the immigration status of his housekeeper and nanny. 

Kerik founded a risk management consulting firm, Kerik Group, in 2005. 

“With over forty years of service in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people,” Patel wrote on X. “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.”