Former FBI director Robert Mueller died on Friday at the age of 81, his family confirmed through his law firm WilmerHale. His family declined to specify a cause of death, noting only that Mueller had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021 but not confirming whether the illness was linked to his passing. A spokesperson for WilmerHale described him as 'an extraordinary leader and public servant and a person of the greatest integrity', highlighting his service as a decorated Marine officer, FBI director, and senior Justice Department official.
Mueller's public career spanned half a century. He led the FBI from 2001 to 2013, steering the bureau through the aftermath of the 11 September attacks and a sweeping shift towards counterterrorism, before returning to public view in 2017 as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential ties to Donald Trump's campaign. His family asked for privacy as they grieved, and beyond the brief notice, no further medical details have been confirmed.
