Robert S Mueller III dies at 81, former FBI Director who led post-9/11 counterterrorism shift

Robert S Mueller III has died aged 81, his family said. Nominated by President George W Bush, he led the FBI through the post-9/11 shift towards counterterrorism and served across administrations. Mueller later became special counsel for the United States Department of Justice inquiry into links between Russia and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Robert S Mueller III, the former FBI director who reshaped the agency after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, has died. Mueller was 81. The death came after a career that also included serving as special counsel. That later role examined links between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Mueller’s family confirmed the death in a statement issued on Saturday. "With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away on Friday night,\" the statement said. \"His family asks that their privacy be respected.\" The statement did not give further details about the cause.

Robert S Mueller III FBI director role after Sept 11

Mueller took over the FBI just one week before the Sept 11 attacks. Mueller then began changing the bureau’s mission for 21st century threats. The attacks quickly moved the FBI’s main focus away from domestic crime. Preventing terrorism became the leading priority under Mueller’s leadership.

The new approach set a high bar for Mueller and other federal leaders. The shift demanded stopping attacks before they happened. The standard was described as difficult to meet. Under that view, blocking 99 out of 100 plots still fell short of the goal.

Mueller led the FBI for 12 years and worked under presidents from both parties. Republican President George W Bush nominated Mueller to the role. Mueller’s tenure covered years of security changes in the United States. The leadership period also included major adjustments in staffing and investigations.

Robert S Mueller III special counsel Russia Trump investigation

After leaving the FBI, Mueller later became special counsel in a Justice Department inquiry. The investigation looked at whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia. Authorities examined claims that Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential race. The work placed Mueller at the centre of US political debate.

Donald Trump responded online after news of Mueller’s death. Trump wrote, \"Robert Mueller just died. Good, Im glad hes dead.\" Trump also added, \"He can no longer hurt innocent people!\" The comments came as reactions spread across social media platforms.

The FBI did not give an immediate public response after the comments. The agency also did not immediately answer a request seeking comment. Mueller’s death closes a chapter for a figure tied to major US security changes. The family statement asked for privacy as attention remained on Mueller’s public record.

With inputs from PTI