Former FBI Director Robert Mueller died Friday.
He was 81.
In addition to serving as FBI director for more than a decade, Mueller also served as special counsel in the investigation into Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 election.
The cause of death was not immediately known; Mueller had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for years, according to sources.
Mueller served as FBI director from 2001 to 2013. In 2017, the Justice Department appointed him special counsel to oversee the growing investigation that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election of Donald Trump after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey.
This probe made Mueller a target for Trump, who referred to the investigation as a “witch hunt,” “a scam” and a “hoax.”
When Trump heard the news of Mueller’s death Saturday, he went on Truth Social and did not hold back his feelings on the man.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” the post read.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) who had vigorously pursued allegations of Trump’s ties to Russia while he served on the House Intelligence Committee, condemned Trump’s words with a post of his own on X.
“Every day, this president shows his basic indecency and unfitness for office,” he wrote.
Mueller’s investigation resulted in 37 indictments and seven guilty pleas. However, he found no evidence that Trump or his aides coordinated with Russia.
The Mueller report, as it came to be known, did not conclude that Trump committed any crime. It also did not clear the president of obstruction of justice.
In a statement to MS NOW, the law firm WilmerHale, Mueller’s former employer, called Mueller “an extraordinary leader and public servant and a person of the greatest integrity.”
“We are deeply proud that he was our partner,” the firm said. “Our thoughts are with Bob’s family and loved ones during this time.”
