Robert Mueller, the former special counsel who led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible ties between Donald Trump and Moscow, has died at the age of 81.
The news was confirmed by his family through a statement distributed to the media.
"It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Bob passed away last night. The family asks that their privacy be respected," the family's response reads, The Guardian reports.
After the news of his death was announced, US President Donald Trump reacted on his social network "Truth Social" that he is happy that Mueller is dead.
"Robert Mueller just died. Great, I'm glad he died. He can't hurt innocent people anymore!" Trump wrote.
Mueller was appointed as special counsel in 2017 by then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. He took charge of one of the United States' most sensitive political investigations, examining Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any possible links to Donald Trump's campaign.
His investigation, which lasted almost two years, produced a detailed report that analyzed Russian activities and the behavior of key figures in the Trump administration. Although the report did not reach a direct conclusion of criminal collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, it remained a key document in the political and legal debate in the United States.
Mueller was known for his low public profile and reputation for professional integrity, having previously served as FBI director for more than a decade.
