WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – Robert S. Mueller III, the former director of the FBI who led the agency through a major transformation after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and later served as special counsel in the Russia investigation, has died at the age of 81.
Mueller’s family confirmed his passing in a statement Saturday, saying he died Friday night. “With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away,” the statement read. The family also requested privacy.
Mueller was appointed FBI director by President George W. Bush in 2001 and began his tenure just one week before the 9/11 attacks. In the aftermath, he oversaw a sweeping shift in the bureau’s mission, redirecting its primary focus from traditional criminal investigations to counterterrorism and national security.
He served as director for 12 years, leading the agency under both Republican and Democratic administrations. During that time, the FBI adopted new intelligence-gathering strategies and expanded efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, a responsibility that placed significant pressure on the agency to stop threats before they could occur.
Years after leaving the FBI, Mueller returned to public service as special counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice. He was tasked with investigating potential coordination between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The high-profile probe drew national attention and political scrutiny throughout its duration.
Following news of Mueller’s death, President Donald Trump reacted in a post on social media, writing, “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead,” and adding, “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
The FBI did not immediately issue a public statement regarding Mueller’s death.
