Robert Swan Mueller, who led the FBI from 2001 to 2013 and later served as special counsel investigating alleged Russian ties to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, has died at 81.
His family released a statement saying, “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Bob’s passing last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected.”
Mueller had a distinguished career before his death. After graduating from Princeton University, he spent three years in Vietnam as a Marine, earning several commendations for his service, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
He served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts from 1986 to 1987 under President Ronald Reagan, then became Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Criminal Division from 1990 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush. Following that, he was the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California from 1998 to 2001 and briefly Acting Deputy U.S. Attorney in 2001 under President George W. Bush.
From September 4, 2001, to September 4, 2013, Mueller was the sixth director of the FBI. His leadership came at a time of significant transformation within the agency, particularly after the 9/11 attacks, which shifted the FBI’s focus to counterterrorism. Under his guidance, about 40% of the FBI’s workforce was reassigned to national security roles, and a national security division was formed.
After leaving the FBI, he taught at Stanford University and practiced law before returning to public life as a special prosecutor at the Department of Justice from 2017 to 2019. His investigation into Trump’s campaign, which generated considerable controversy, concluded with the Mueller report, stating there was no criminal collusion between the campaign and Russia.
In September, Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, had subpoenaed Mueller to testify regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation but later withdrew the request after learning of his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which he received in 2021. His family indicated that this condition affected his speech and mobility.
Former President Obama expressed his condolences, noting Mueller’s significant contributions to the FBI and public service, while President Trump made a comment regarding Mueller’s passing, stating he could no longer harm innocent people.
