Robert Mueller, FBI director and special counsel, dies at 81

Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11, 2001, attacks and who later became special counsel investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.

Mueller died Friday night, according to a statement released by his family Saturday. "With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away," the family said. "His family asks that their privacy be respected."

Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013, a tenure spanning more than a decade during which he oversaw significant changes to the agency's focus and operations in response to the terrorist attacks. He led efforts to reshape the FBI's priorities toward counterterrorism and national security threats.

Following his departure from the FBI, Mueller was appointed special counsel in 2017 to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. He led that investigation for nearly two years, producing a comprehensive report on his findings before concluding the special counsel's office in 2019.

Mueller's career in law enforcement spanned decades. Before becoming FBI director, he held various positions within the Department of Justice and served as a federal prosecutor. His appointment as special counsel came during a period of significant political tension and public debate over the scope and conduct of the Russia investigation.