Former FBI director Robert Mueller dies at 81

Robert Mueller, the former director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has died at the age of 81. His family announced his passing on Saturday night, March 21.

Mueller's family shared the news with deep sorrow, requesting privacy during this difficult time, CNN reported.

Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021, a fact his family disclosed in August of the following year. He was widely respected across both major political parties for his extraordinary contributions to the US legal and judicial system.

Mueller's career was notably diverse and historic. President George W. Bush nominated him as FBI director just before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the ensuing crisis, he skilfully restructured the FBI.

After his ten-year term, President Barack Obama extended his tenure by an additional two years. Serving a total of 12 years, Mueller became the longest-serving FBI director since J. Edgar Hoover.

Mueller gained greatest public prominence as special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. His investigation into potential collusion between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia produced a report considered a landmark for US democracy and judicial impartiality.

His integrity and impartiality earned long-standing trust from both Democrats and Republicans. Robert Mueller will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to US law and democratic institutions until the end of his life.

His death has cast a shadow over the US political and judicial establishment. Leaders across the spectrum have called him a patriot and a staunch defender of the rule of law. Mueller's passing is not just a loss for a family but marks the close of a significant chapter in the history of the FBI and the US Department of Justice.