Bernie Kerik's Cause of Death Unclear, But Cardiac Issues Cited

Bernie Kerik, the former City of New York police commissioner who rose to fame during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, has died at age 69.

The FBI director, Kash Patel, confirmed Kerik's death on X on May 29, but he did not release a cause of death. Instead, Patel wrote that Bernard Kerik died after a "private battle with illness."

However, Kerik's health issues were heart-related.

Although the official cause of death was not released, The New York Post reported that Kerik died "after he was hospitalized with cardiac disease." He died at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, The Post reported.

"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. Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness," Patel wrote. 

"With over 40 years of service in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people. As the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, Bernie led with strength and resolve in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, guiding the NYPD through one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history. He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor, and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts, and brought some of the world’s most dangerous criminals to justice," he added. 

"His legacy is not just in the medals or the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor. Rest easy, Commissioner. Your watch has ended, but your impact will never fade. End of Watch – May 29, 2025."

However, Kerik ran into legal issues after his 2001 fame. According to Fox News, Kerik "pleaded guilty in 2009 to eight felonies, including tax fraud and lying to the White House while being vetted for the role of Homeland Security chief in 2004." He spent three years in prison before being pardoned, Fox News reported.

The Post noted that Kerik was "was grilled by Congress during hearings stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol."

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