Bernard Kerik, who served as New York City’s police commissioner during the September 11 attacks, has died at the age of 69. His death was confirmed by the New York Police Department on social media. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Kerik passed away after a private battle with illness.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who appointed Kerik as police commissioner in 2000, expressed his sorrow on his show. “We’ve been together since the beginning. He’s like my brother,” Giuliani said, visibly emotional. “I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man.”

Kerik, an Army veteran, had a distinguished career in law enforcement but faced significant legal troubles later in life. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud and false statement charges. These charges were linked to over $250,000 in renovations he received from a construction firm that allegedly sought his influence to assure New York officials of its lack of organized crime connections. He served three years in prison and was released in 2013.

In 2020, President Donald Trump granted Kerik a pardon during a clemency initiative. Kerik was present at Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey, club following the former president's first court appearance related to classified documents.

Kerik's career included a nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security in 2004, which he withdrew due to concerns over the immigration status of a household employee. He also faced legal challenges, including a 2006 guilty plea to misdemeanor ethics violations for accepting gifts while leading the city’s corrections department.

Patel honored Kerik’s legacy in a social media post, calling him “a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known.” He noted that Kerik was decorated over 100 times for bravery and valor, having rescued victims from burning buildings and survived assassination attempts. Patel emphasized that Kerik’s legacy is reflected not just in his accolades but in the lives he saved and the city he helped rebuild.