Rudy Giuliani, who led New York City as mayor from 1994 to 2001, expressed deep sorrow on Thursday over the passing of his close friend and former NYPD Commissioner Bernard “Bernie” Kerik. Describing the loss as “inexpressible,” Giuliani mourned not just a colleague but a “true patriot” and his “best friend.”
Kerik died at the age of 69 following a private struggle with illness, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel. The bond between Giuliani and Kerik was forged amid the chaos and tragedy of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Their leadership during those harrowing days made them both prominent figures in the city’s history, and their shared experience turned into a lifelong friendship.
Giuliani recalled in a heartfelt statement, “On September 11th, Bernie Kerik and I saved each other’s lives. Even if we hadn’t been friends before, that day sealed a bond that would last forever. He was my best friend, a true patriot, and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known.”
He recounted how Kerik was at his side within just 20 minutes of the attacks and stayed there throughout the ordeal. When the first tower collapsed, both men were trapped inside a building for roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Yet, thanks to what Giuliani described as “substantial additional assistance” and Kerik’s “extraordinary bravery,” they managed to escape unharmed. Giuliani emphasized that this courage and resilience inspired the spirit of recovery that swept through New York over the following months.
“Bernie’s leadership gave hope to a frightened city,” Giuliani said. “He helped people draw strength from within themselves—as Americans and as children of God.”
Giuliani also highlighted Kerik’s notable career in law enforcement. He praised Kerik’s tenure as Commissioner of Rikers Island, where he famously cut violence in the prison by 90 percent. As NYPD Commissioner, Kerik also made a significant impact by reducing crime across New York City.
“He was motivated by an unwavering love for this country and a deep commitment to serving others,” Giuliani remarked. “Bernie was one of the most decorated police officers New York City has ever seen.”
Kerik’s three-and-a-half-decade law enforcement career earned him more than 100 awards for bravery and meritorious service. Among these were a presidential commendation for heroism from President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the Department of Homeland Security.
A notable moment in Kerik’s career came in 2004 when he was considered for the role of Homeland Security chief. However, during the vetting process, he was found to have lied to the White House. This ultimately led to legal troubles; in 2009, Kerik pleaded guilty to eight felony charges, including tax fraud. He served about three years in prison before transitioning to home confinement and eventually supervised release.
Despite these challenges, Giuliani’s reflections on Kerik focus on the man’s bravery, leadership, and dedication. Their shared experiences during one of the darkest moments in America’s history created a friendship rooted in respect and mutual survival. As New York and the nation remember Bernie Kerik, Giuliani’s words paint a portrait of a man who was fearless, patriotic, and deeply committed to his city and country.
