Bernard Bailey Kerik, age 69, a frequent Newsmax contributor, dedicated public servant, and a respected figure in law enforcement who led the New York Police Department in 2000 and 2001, died Thursday after being hospitalized with cardiac illness.
FBI Director Kash Patel honored Kerik in a statement on social media.
“Today, we mourn the loss of Bernard B. Kerik, a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known,” he posted to X. “Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness. … Rest easy, Commissioner. Your watch has ended, but your impact will never fade.”
Born on Sept. 4, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey, Kerik was raised in Paterson, where he cultivated a strong sense of duty, community, and responsibility. From an early age, Kerik demonstrated a commitment to protecting and serving others, values that would shape his life.
His early years of service began with an enlistment in the United States Army in July 1974, and a stint as a military policeman. While stationed in South Korea at age 20, Kerik welcomed his first child, a daughter, born in October 1975.
During his military service, he received his General Educational Development (GED) certificate at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Rapid advancement, numerous accolades, and significant achievements marked Bernard’s career in law enforcement.
After briefly serving with the Passaic County, New Jersey, sheriff’s office and working internationally as chief of investigations at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he joined the NYPD in 1986.
Rising through the ranks, and building a career reputation for courage, integrity and leadership, Kerik was ultimately named 40th Commissioner of the NYPD in August 2000 by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
Bernard notably led the NYPD during the unprecedented and critical period surrounding the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
His steady leadership during this historic time earned him national and international respect. In recognition of his exceptional service, Kerik received numerous honors, most notably the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Beyond his tenure with the NYPD, Kerik served as commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction from 1998 to 2000, where he was credited with implementing reforms that significantly reduced inmate violence and improved the safety and security of correctional facilities.
Following his public service in New York, Kerik took his expertise to the global stage. He served as the interim Interior Minister in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was instrumental in rebuilding essential security institutions and reinstating thousands of Iraqi police officers.
Last month, the Washington embassy of Qatar hired Kerik’s firm for counsel on how to advance bilateral ties between Qatar and the U.S.
An accomplished author, Kerik shared insights from his extensive career and personal journey through best-selling books such as “The Lost Son: A Life in Pursuit of Justice” and “From Jailer to Jailed.”
Kerik was married three times, first in 1978, ending in divorce in 1983. His second marriage lasted from 1983 to 1992, and he produced a son. He married his third wife in 1998, with whom he had two daughters.
Kerik is survived by family who fondly remember his kindness, guidance, and compassionate spirit.
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