Bernard Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner who was hailed as a hero after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has died at 69, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The department mourned his passing in a social media post on Thursday.
“For nearly two decades, Kerik served and protected New Yorkers in the NYPD, including helping rebuild the city in the aftermath of 9/11,” it stated. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Kerik had died after a “private battle with illness.” In his tribute, Patel praised Kerik as “a patriot” and “one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known.”…