Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led a politically explosive investigation into Donald Trump, has died suddenly at the age of 81.
Mr. Mueller’s family announced his passing in a post on social media on Saturday local time. The family did not specify a location or cause of death in their announcement.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night. His family asks that their privacy be respected,” the statement read.
The news of his death triggered a shocking response from the US president. Donald Trump responded quickly on his Truth Social platform.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Mr. Trump wrote.
Prior to his death, Mr. Mueller had recently been suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Mr. Mueller had a long history in federal law enforcement, leading the FBI for 12 years. He started the position just days before the September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda attacks on the US, and during his tenure, he built up the bureau’s counterterror mission.
After his time at the FBI, he was tapped as a special counsel for the Department of Justice. From 2017 to 2019, he led a probe into whether Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign conspired with Russia to get him elected in the 2016 presidential election.
In 2019, Mr. Mueller concluded that Russia had interfered with the election with the intent of benefiting Mr. Trump.
While no charges against the US president came from the investigation, Mr. Mueller refused to formally exonerate Mr. Trump.