Former New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who led the department during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, died Thursday at the age of 69.

The former NYPD official was hospitalized in the cardiac unit of a hospital earlier this month. The cause of Kerik's death was not immediately clear.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Kerik's passing in a statement on social media.

"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," he posted to X. "Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness.

"With over forty years of service in law enforcement and national security, he dedicated his life to protecting the American people," Patel continued. "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."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.