President Donald Trump’s clemency blitz Tuesday included former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik, who, along with then-Mayor Rudy Guiliani, led the Big Apple’s police response to the 9/11 terror attacks.
In 2003, Kerik was nominated by then-President George W. Bush to lead the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. But Kerik withdrew his candidacy after questions arose about his employment of a woman who was in the U.S. illegally as a nanny.
That led to a series of investigations that culminated in a 2006 guilty plea to ethics violations and more than $200,000 in fines. Three years later, Kerik was sentenced to four years in a federal prison on eight tax fraud and false statement charges.
»MORE: Trump pardons former 49er owner DeBartolo
Giuliani appointed Kerik as police commissioner on Aug. 21, 2000. Kerik was in his office when American Airlines Flight 11 hit the World Trade Center’s north tower, and was at the tower’s base when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower.
Kerik left office at the end of Giuliani's term on Dec. 31, 2001.
Also Tuesday, Trump pardoned former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. and commuted the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He also granted clemency to financier Michael Milken, who pleaded guilty for violating U.S. securities laws.
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