Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, the previous police commissioner of New York Metropolis throughout 9/11, died on Might 29, 2025. He was 69 years previous and had reportedly been hospitalized with an sickness previous to his demise. FBI Director Kash Patel launched a press release paying tribute to Kerik, calling him a “warrior, a patriot, and one of the crucial brave public servants this nation has ever identified.”
“With over forty years of service in legislation enforcement and nationwide safety, he devoted his life to defending the American individuals,” Patel wrote. “Because the fortieth Police Commissioner of New York Metropolis, Bernie led with power and resolve within the aftermath of the September eleventh assaults, guiding the NYPD by one of many darkest chapters in our nation’s historical past. He was adorned greater than 100 instances for bravery, valor, and repair, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination makes an attempt, and introduced among the world’s most harmful criminals to justice. His legacy isn’t just within the medals or the titles, however within the lives he saved, the town he helped rebuild, and the nation he served with honor. Relaxation straightforward, commissioner. Your watch has ended, however your influence won’t ever fade.”
Under, be taught extra about Kerik, his profession, previous controversies and demise.
Bernard Kerik Was Named High Cop by Rudi Giuliani
In 2000, former New York Metropolis Mayor Rudi Giuliani named Kerik the highest cop of the town. The next yr, Kerik served as police commissioner in the course of the September 11, 2001, assaults in Manhattan. That day, he, Giuliani and high aides have been in an workplace when one of many planes struck the North Tower. Consequently, Kerik’s story garnered nationwide reward.
Kerik left his place as police commissioner on the finish of 2001 following Giuliani’s time period.
Bernard Kerik Was in Jail for Felony Tax Expenses
In November 2007, Kerik was indicted by a grand jury in White Plains, New York, on fees of tax fraud and making false statements to the federal authorities a few $250,000 interest-free supposed “mortgage” from Israeli billionaire Eitan Wertheimer.
Two years later, Kerik pleaded responsible to eight felony tax and false assertion fees. He was sentenced to 2 years behind bars and three years of probation.
In February 2020, Donald Trump granted Kerik a full presidential pardon for his crimes.
Bernard Kerik Was Married Three Occasions
Kerik was married thrice and shares 4 kids with totally different girls. From 1978 to 1983, he was married to Linda Hales. In 1983, Kerik married second spouse Jaqueline Llerena, they usually divorced in 1992. In 1998, Kerik married his present spouse, Hala Matli.
Bernard Kerik Reportedly Had Cardiac Illness
In line with the New York Submit, Kerik had cardiac illness and had been hospitalized for the sickness earlier than he died in Might 2025.
