Bernard Kerik, the New York City police commissioner during the September 11 attacks who later pleaded guilty to tax fraud before receiving a presidential pardon, has died at age 69.
The New York Police Department confirmed his death on Thursday via social media. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Kerik passed away following a private battle with illness.
The NYPD is mourning the passing of former Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik.
For nearly two decades, Kerik served and protected New Yorkers in the NYPD, including helping rebuild the city in the aftermath of 9/11.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DG4EuFVloN
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 30, 2025
Kerik, an Army veteran, gained national recognition for his leadership during the 9/11 attacks. He was appointed police commissioner by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 2000 and held the position during one of the city’s darkest hours.
Giuliani reflected on their long friendship during a televised appearance, describing Kerik as “like my brother” and saying, “I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man.”
Kerik’s career was marked by both high praise and controversy.
In 2010, he pleaded guilty to federal charges of tax fraud and making false statements. The charges related in part to receiving over $250,000 in apartment renovations from a construction firm alleged to have ties to organised crime.
The sentencing judge highlighted that some crimes occurred while Kerik was the “chief law enforcement officer for the biggest and grandest city this nation has.”
He served three years in federal prison and was released in 2013. In 2020, President Donald Trump granted Kerik a full pardon.
After his release from prison, Kerik continued his work in crisis management and remained involved in political efforts, including supporting attempts to challenge the 2020 US presidential election results.
Kerik recounted his experience during 9/11 in his 2015 book, From Jailer to Jailed, describing the day as one he wished had never happened but saying he did “the best [he] could do under the circumstances.”
His death marks the end of a turbulent but impactful career in law enforcement and public service.
