Bernard «Bernie» Kerik, former New York City Police Commissioner during 9/11, has passed away
30 may 2025 в 17:13
Bernard «Bernie» Kerik, former New York City Police Commissioner during the events of September 11, passed away on May 29, 2025. He was 69 years old and reportedly was in the hospital with an illness before his death. FBI Director Kash Patel released a statement praising Kerik, calling him «a warrior, a patriot, and one of the bravest public servants this country has ever known».
«With over forty years of experience in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people», - Patel wrote. «As the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernie led with strength and resolve in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, guiding the New York Police Department through one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. He was awarded over 100 times for courage, valor, and service, rescuing victims from burning buildings, surviving assassination attempts, and bringing some of the world’s most dangerous criminals to justice. His legacy is not only in medals or titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor. Rest in peace, Commissioner. Your watch has ended, but your influence will never fade».
Below you will learn more about Kerik, his career, past scandals, and death.
In 2000, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani appointed Kerik as the city’s Police Commissioner. The following year, Kerik served as the Police Commissioner during the September 11, 2001 attacks in Manhattan. On that day, he, Giuliani, and top aides were in the office when one of the planes crashed into the North Tower. As a result, Kerik’s story gained national recognition.
Kerik left his position as Police Commissioner at the end of 2001 after Giuliani’s term ended.
In November 2007, Kerik was indicted by a grand jury in White Plains, New York, on charges of tax evasion and lying to the federal government about a $ 250,000 interest-free alleged «loan» from Israeli billionaire Eitan Wertheimer.
Two years later, Kerik pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges of tax evasion and lying. He was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation.
In February 2020, Donald Trump granted Kerik a full presidential pardon for his crimes.
Kerik was married three times and has four children from different women. From 1978 to 1983, he was married to Linda Hales. In 1983, Kerik married his second wife, Jacqueline Llerena, and they divorced in 1992. In 1998, Kerik married his current wife, Hala Matli.
According to the New York Post, Kerik had a heart condition and was in the hospital due to illness before his death in May 2025
«With over forty years of experience in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people», - Patel wrote. «As the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernie led with strength and resolve in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, guiding the New York Police Department through one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. He was awarded over 100 times for courage, valor, and service, rescuing victims from burning buildings, surviving assassination attempts, and bringing some of the world’s most dangerous criminals to justice. His legacy is not only in medals or titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor. Rest in peace, Commissioner. Your watch has ended, but your influence will never fade».
Below you will learn more about Kerik, his career, past scandals, and death.
In 2000, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani appointed Kerik as the city’s Police Commissioner. The following year, Kerik served as the Police Commissioner during the September 11, 2001 attacks in Manhattan. On that day, he, Giuliani, and top aides were in the office when one of the planes crashed into the North Tower. As a result, Kerik’s story gained national recognition.
Kerik left his position as Police Commissioner at the end of 2001 after Giuliani’s term ended.
In November 2007, Kerik was indicted by a grand jury in White Plains, New York, on charges of tax evasion and lying to the federal government about a $ 250,000 interest-free alleged «loan» from Israeli billionaire Eitan Wertheimer.
Two years later, Kerik pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges of tax evasion and lying. He was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation.
In February 2020, Donald Trump granted Kerik a full presidential pardon for his crimes.
Kerik was married three times and has four children from different women. From 1978 to 1983, he was married to Linda Hales. In 1983, Kerik married his second wife, Jacqueline Llerena, and they divorced in 1992. In 1998, Kerik married his current wife, Hala Matli.
According to the New York Post, Kerik had a heart condition and was in the hospital due to illness before his death in May 2025
© Artemenko Olga
