Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director and Special Counsel, Dies at 81

Robert Mueller, the longest-serving FBI director in modern history and the special counsel who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, died Friday night. He was 81. His family confirmed the news to the Associated Press, asking for privacy and not disclosing a cause of death, though last year they shared that Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021.

Mueller served as FBI director under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2001 to 2013, making him the second-longest serving director in the agency's history. Before his law enforcement career, he served as a decorated Marine in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

In 2017, the Justice Department appointed Mueller as special counsel to investigate possible ties between the Trump campaign and Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. His investigation confirmed that Russia did interfere, and it made him a frequent target of then-President Trump's public criticism.

Following news of Mueller's death Saturday, President Trump posted on Truth Social: "Robert Mueller just died. Good, I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!"