Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerrick “he passed away at the age of 69 after a personal battle with illness,” FBI director Kash Patel announced on May 29.
Kerrick was a top New York City police officer following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
“After more than 40 years of working in law enforcement and national security, he devoted his life to protecting Americans,” Patel wrote in X.
The NYPD reflected Patel’s sentiment in a statement posted to X, saying, “For nearly 20 years, Kerik has served New Yorkers in the NYPD, protecting it, including helping to rebuild the city in the aftermath of September 11th.”
Kerrick was later appointed by President George W. Bush and headed the Department of Homeland Security in the early stages of the US war of terrorism.
“Berney Kerrick understands his obligation to come to America on September 11th. The determination he felt in the morning would lead him every day with his work, he said in 2004.
The nomination was short-lived as Kerik retreated a few days later. His employment of undocumented immigrants as a nanny was later described as the reason for his withdrawal.
Kerrick spent three years in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2009 to eight felony charges, including tax fraud. His case centered on claims that construction companies seeking city licensing for home renovations are seeking city licensing. He was later forgiven by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy W. Giuliani posted on X.
Contribution: James Powell – USA TODAY, Reuters
