Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the September 11, 2001, attacks and who later became special counsel in charge of investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.

“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away” on Friday night, his family said in a statement Saturday.

“His family asks that their privacy be respected.”

His time as FBI director was defined by the September 11 attacks and its aftermath, as an FBI granted broad new surveillance and national security powers scrambled to confront an ascendant al-Qaeda and interrupt plots and take terrorists off the street before they could act.

After several years in retirement, Mueller was asked by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to return to public service as special counsel in the Trump-Russia inquiry.

Mueller brought criminal charges against six of the president’s associates, including his campaign chairman Paul Manafort and longtime adviser Roger Stone.

Trump posted on social media about Mueller’s death: “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead.” The Republican president added, “He can no longer hurt innocent people!”

But former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush paid tribute to Mueller's legacy.

Bush recalled his service in the Marines and stewardship of the FBI.

"Bob transitioned the agency mission to protecting the homeland after September 11. He led the agency effectively, helping prevent another terrorist attack on US soil," the Republican said in a statement.

Democrat Barack Obama, whose presidency overlapped with Mueller's tenure as FBI chief for five years, hailed him as "one of the most respected public servants of our time." (Agencies)


Edited by Tony Sabine