Bernard Kerik, the former NYPD commissioner, is sounding the alarm on New York’s public safety crisis. In a fiery interview, he blasted Governor Kathy Hochul and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch for policies he says are putting New Yorkers and cops in danger. Kerik’s warnings come after a shocking subway attack where a woman was burned alive while bystanders and police failed to act.
The subway horror exposed a city spiraling out of control. Surveillance footage showed officers standing idle as flames engulfed the victim. Kerik didn’t hold back, calling the inaction “cowardly” and blaming weak leadership for creating a culture where criminals thrive. “You have politicians who care more about protecting illegal immigrants than protecting citizens,” Kerik argued, pointing to the suspect—an undocumented migrant—as proof of failed border policies.
Hochul’s recent push to limit police cooperation with ICE has drawn sharp criticism. Kerik warned this puts communities at risk by allowing dangerous criminals to roam free. “When you tie the hands of law enforcement, you get chaos,” he said. The former commissioner highlighted how city leaders have prioritized political correctness over common-sense policing, leaving officers demoralized and residents vulnerable.
The tragic subway incident isn’t an isolated case. Crime rates have surged under policies that favor criminals over victims. Kerik slammed the “revolving door justice” that lets repeat offenders back on the streets. He cited the suspect’s quick arrest by vigilant high schoolers as proof that ordinary New Yorkers are stepping up where the system fails. “People are tired of feeling unsafe,” Kerik said. “They’re losing faith in those sworn to protect them.”
Conservatives argue that progressive agendas have turned New York into a haven for lawlessness. Kerik emphasized that defunding police and reducing penalties for violent crimes only empower criminals. “Prison should be a deterrent, not a vacation,” he stated, condemning efforts to downsize prison populations without addressing root causes of crime.
Hochul’s response—promising more police in subways—rang hollow to critics. Kerik dismissed it as “too little, too late” after years of soft-on-crime policies. He accused leaders of ignoring warnings about lax enforcement and unchecked illegal immigration. “They’re more concerned with woke politics than saving lives,” he charged.
The fallout has sparked a broader debate about moral responsibility. Kerik urged citizens to demand accountability from leaders who’ve abandoned public safety. “New York deserves better than this,” he said, calling for a return to tough policing and support for officers. The former commissioner’s message resonates with conservatives who see urban decay as a direct result of Democratic leadership.
As crime dominates headlines, Kerik’s warnings serve as a rallying cry. He insists that restoring law and order requires electing leaders who back police and secure borders. Until then, he warns, tragedies like the subway immolation will keep happening—while those in power look the other way.
