WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former FBI Director Robert Mueller died at age 81 on March 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The cause of death was not immediately known.

"With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away," the family said in a statement. "His family asks that their privacy be respected."

Mueller served as FBI Director from 2001 to 2013, taking office just days before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. President George W. Bush nominated Mueller to the position, and he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2001 with a vote of 98-0. He served under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, becoming the second-longest-serving FBI Director in history.

Mueller is credited with reshaping the FBI into a modern counterterrorism agency following the September 11 attacks.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel in 2017 to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and any links to the Trump campaign. The investigation lasted from May 2017 to March 2019 and resulted in multiple indictments and plea deals with former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort and national security advisor Michael Flynn. The Mueller report provided evidence of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election but did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia.

"I'm glad he's dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!" President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

"A great American died today, one I was lucky enough to learn from and stand beside," said James Comey, former FBI Director.

Mueller was born in 1944 and studied politics at Princeton University before studying law at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1973. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1968 served in Vietnam as a Marine Corps officer, leading a platoon of troops as a lieutenant. He was wounded twice in battle and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.

Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann Cabell Standish, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.