Tearful Rudy Giuliani breaks down over death of Bernie Kerik
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani broke down in tears remembering ex-NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik, who died on Thursday at age 69.
'I was a better man for having known Bernie,' Giuliani said on his 'America's Mayor Live' podcast shortly after Kerik's death was announced. 'I don't know what I'm going to do without him.'
Earlier this month, Kerik was hospitalized with a serious illness from which he was expected to recover. Giuliani said he had planned to visit his old pal on Saturday and regrets not doing so earlier.
'I feel like I should've been with him,' the choked-up Brooklyn native told listeners.
Giuliani recalled the times he spent with Kerik, which included fighting crime in New York City, moving the city forward after the 9/11 terror attacks and supporting President Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The former mayor also praised his longtime friend for his 'honesty and integrity,' claiming Kerik was targeted by 'lawfare' when he served three years in prison for tax fraud.
Giuliani became increasingly emotional recalling Kerik's service to law enforcement in the U.S. and overseas during the Iraq War, as well as their work together in the private sector.
'I've gone through difficult times, right, and I found out who my friends were,' he confessed. 'Bernie was there for every single thing.'
The water works began when Giuliani once again said he wished he'd been at Kerik's bedside when he died.
'I wish I was there for you Bernie, you were always there for me,' he sobbed before saying a prayer for Kerik.
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