Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik has died at age 69. Rudy Giuliani calls him a “true patriot” and mourns the loss of his closest friend and 9/11 brother-in-arms.
Giuliani says their bond was cemented during 9/11 when they saved each other's lives. “If we weren’t already friends, that bound us together forever,” Giuliani wrote.
Kerik and Giuliani were trapped in a collapsing building for nearly 30 minutes. Their bravery and leadership helped New York City survive its darkest hours.
Giuliani praised Kerik’s leadership post-9/11, saying his courage guided a frightened city to strength. He was on-site within 20 minutes of the attacks—and never left Giuliani’s side.
Kerik’s career included cutting violence at Rikers Island by 90% and reducing citywide crime as NYPD Commissioner. Giuliani hailed him as one of NYC’s most decorated officers.
Kerik earned over 100 awards, including praise from President Reagan. Yet his nomination for Homeland Security ended after he pleaded guilty to felonies in 2009.
President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik in 2020. After serving prison time, Kerik reentered public life and joined Giuliani in election fraud investigations in 2020.
Giuliani shared that Kerik is survived by his wife, daughters, and son—a fellow police officer. He called them a brave family who carry on his legacy.
Giuliani expressed “inexpressible” grief and shared his condolences with Kerik’s family. “We are all much better for knowing him,” he said in a heartfelt statement.
From prison reform to 9/11 heroism, Bernard Kerik’s life was complex but heroic. A fighter, a friend, and a patriot—his story will not be forgotten.