Robert Mueller, the former FBI director who led the investigation into claims of Russian interference in the 2016 election, died Friday at 81 years old.
“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away,” his family said in a Saturday statement to The Associated Press. “His family asks that their privacy be respected.”
The cause of death was not immediately known, but Mr. Mueller was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, according to his family.
Mr. Mueller, whose tenure atop the FBI ran from 2001 to 2013, conducted his two-year probe into President Trump while serving as special counsel to the Justice Department.
The investigation did not find any evidence that the Trump campaign or its associates conspired or coordinated with Russia to sway the outcome of the 2016 election.
Mr. Trump and his MAGA supporters called the Mueller probe a witch hunt and a hoax.
The president reacted Saturday by posting on Truth Social, “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!”
Democrats — and one Republican — slammed the president’s comment.
“The cruelty is the point,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat, posted on social media. “Trump’s goal is to distract you from rising gas prices, his aimless war, ICE abuses, and the Epstein files. Don’t give him what he wants. And may Robert Mueller, a US Marine and lifelong public servant, rest in peace.”
Rep. Don Bacon told Politico that Mr. Trump’s statement was “clearly wrong” and displayed “un-Christian behavior.”
“The vast majority of Americans want better,” the Nebraska Republican added.
Some Republicans jumped into Mr. Trump’s corner, also slamming Mr. Mueller for the Russia probe that many conservatives say was set up by a fake narrative borne by Hillary Clinton.
The president’s former political adviser, Roger Stone, said on social media, “The judgment of Robert Mueller has moved to a much higher court. May he burn in hell.”
Conservative activist Laura Loomer wrote that the president “said what everyone is thinking. We shouldn’t be sad when bad people die.”
Mr. Mueller spent more than four decades in law enforcement as a prosecutor, U.S. attorney, assistant attorney general and FBI director.
His 12 years as head of the FBI began right before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, having been nominated by President George W. Bush, and transformed the agency into an anti-terrorism force. He was the second-longest-serving FBI director in history.
