Bernie Kerik Funeral: Honoring a 9/11 NYPD Hero at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

On June 6, 2025, mourners gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City to bid farewell to Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, the former NYPD Commissioner who led the force through the darkest days of 9/11. The emotional ceremony drew key figures such as Rudy Giuliani and Mayor Eric Adams, who paid tribute to a man remembered both for his bravery and his complex legacy.
Kerik became a symbol of resilience during the September 11 attacks, earning nationwide respect. Yet his career was later marred by legal troubles and imprisonment—followed by a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2020. His funeral sparked reflection on themes of heroism, redemption, and public service in a city that never forgets.
As New York honors one of its most polarizing figures, the debate continues: How should we remember Bernie Kerik?