Former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik’s law enforcement presence spanned 40 years|Gage Skidmore|CC BY-SA 2.0

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik, who led the department through the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, passed away on Thursday at the age of 69.

He had been hospitalized with a cardiac condition. Condolences poured in from several government officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel.

Kerik’s law enforcement presence spanned 40 years. He began as Rudy Giuliani’s bodyguard, and his career soared when he was appointed New York City’s police commissioner in 2000. 

During his tenure, the city saw a 63% drop in violent crime.

However, Kerik later faced legal troubles. He pled guilty to tax fraud charges in 2010 and was subsequently pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020.