Former special counsel Robert Mueller dies at 81
U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller makes a statement on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election at the Justice Department in Washington, May 29, 2019.
Jim Bourg | Reuters
Robert Mueller, former special counsel who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, died Friday.
Mueller, also former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was 81.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, his family said in a statement Saturday. “His family asks that their privacy be respected.”
MS Now first reported the news on Saturday.
Mueller concluded in 2019 that Russia interfered in the election in an effort to influence voters towards President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.
The Russia investigation and Mueller himself swiftly became lightning rods for Trump, who over the years has repeatedly called the probe a “witch hunt” and a “hoax.”
Shortly after Mueller’s death was reported, Trump said in a Truth Social post, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead.”
He added: “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.
—The Associated Press contributed to this report.
