Robert S. Mueller III, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who later led the high-profile investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. election, has died at the age of 81. His family confirmed his passing on Friday, March 20, but did not disclose the cause of death.
Mueller served as FBI director for 12 years, taking the role just days before the September 11 attacks. He went on to oversee one of the most significant transformations in the bureau's history, shifting its focus toward counterterrorism and intelligence in response to evolving global threats. His tenure saw sweeping structural changes, including improved coordination with agencies like the CIA and NSA, and expanded use of surveillance powers under post-9/11 legislation.
Despite the aggress
