Former FBI Director Robert Mueller Dead At 81
Former FBI Director Robert Mueller has died at the age of 81, according to a statement from his family.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected,” the family said.
Mueller, a longtime figure in federal law enforcement, served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He took over the bureau just one week before the September 11 attacks and went on to oversee its transformation into a counterterrorism-focused agency during a critical period in U.S. history.
Before his career in law enforcement, Mueller served as a Marine Corps officer during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.
Later in his career, Mueller returned to the national spotlight as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The probe examined whether there was coordination between Russia and President Donald Trump’s campaign.
While the investigation concluded that Russia had interfered in the election, it did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
The investigation became one of the most politically divisive episodes of Trump’s presidency.
President Donald Trump was sharply critical of Mueller and his investigation, repeatedly calling it a “witch hunt.”
Following news of Mueller’s death, Trump posted, “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Others across Washington praised Mueller’s career and service.
Sen. Mark Warner described him as a public servant who “devoted his life to service” and emphasized his commitment to the rule of law.
Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, according to prior reporting.
He is remembered as a central figure in modern American law enforcement, whose career spanned military service, leadership of the FBI, and one of the most consequential investigations in recent political history.