Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani mourned the death of his close friend and former NYPD Commissioner Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, who passed away at 69 on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with cardiac disease. Giuliani described Kerik as a “true patriot” and one of the “bravest men” he had ever known, highlighting their bond forged during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, where they were trapped together and saved each other’s lives. Giuliani praised Kerik’s leadership in reducing crime as NYPD Commissioner from 2000 to 2001 and violence at Rikers Island by 90% as Corrections Commissioner. Despite Kerik’s later legal troubles, including a 2009 guilty plea to eight felonies and a 2020 pardon by President Trump, Giuliani emphasized his friend’s heroism and service, stating he was a better man for knowing him.
