New York, May 30 (H.S.): Bernard B. Kerik, former police commissioner and recognized for his heroism during the 9/11 attacks, has died at 69. His life was marked by both accolades and controversies, including a federal corruption conviction that led to imprisonment. Frontlined by his police commissioner role in 2000, despite a lack of a college degree, he gained fame for his actions during the 9/11 crisis, earning honors from Queen Elizabeth II. Kerik, a high school dropout and bodyguard for Rudy Giuliani, later pivoted to a lucrative consulting career, working with high-profile figures across the globe.

He held several significant roles, including as Interior Minister in Iraq post-2003 invasion, where he built a police force, and briefly headed the Department of Homeland Security. His presidential pardon by Donald Trump in 2020 marked a turning point in his life and career. Kerik was born on September 4, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Paterson. After enlisting in the army and serving in military police, he encountered personal struggles, marrying three times and having a daughter in South Korea.

Throughout his tumultuous career, Kerik reflected that he made significant mistakes, particularly regarding moral judgments, but believed that his achievements outweighed his failures. He remained a vocal supporter of Trump, emphasizing issues of political adversaries leveraging law enforcement against him. His death, confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel, has marked the end of a complex legacy characterized by both valor and legal troubles.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar