Candid Talk // Bernard Kerik speaks his mind about the implosion of New York City

One of the most outspoken critics of Mayor Bill de Blasio is none other than former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who served in that position during the 9/11 attacks and became an American hero as he led the department through its rescue and recovery efforts. Among other honors for meritorious and heroic service, he was awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor and was nominated by President George W. Bush to head the Department of Homeland Security in 2004.

I previously spoke with Mr. Kerik after the release of his book, From Jailer to Jailed: My Journey from Correction and Police Commissioner to Inmate #84888-054. Convicted of tax fraud and making false statements in 2007, Mr. Kerik was sentenced to four years in federal prison. As we sat together in his comfy home in New Jersey, he candidly shared with me the story of his fall from grace and the effects his incarceration had on his views of the American justice system, and that he has become a strong advocate for criminal justice reform ever since his release from prison in 2013. He was pardoned in February of this year by President Trump.

The last time we met, Mr. Kerik told me that he had deep ties with many members of the Orthodox Jewish community. More recently, his son Joseph, 34, a Newark detective assigned to a federal task force, was part of the small army of cops that rushed to respond to the JC Kosher Supermarket shooting in Jersey City, something that Mr. Kerik senior said that he was very proud of.

I recently spoke to him about the chaos that has engulfed the City of New York in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. His candor was once again matchless.

You’ve been very outspoken about the difficulties New York City is going through.
New York City has major issues. It has problems with its leadership as well as with security. I sincerely believe that the city is imploding. I also believe that it’s intentional on the mayor’s part.