R. Mueller, who served as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 2001 to 2013, has died, as confirmed by CBS News, a partner of the BBC in the United States. He took over the position just days before the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and is credited with modernizing the FBI into an institution focused on combating terrorism.

Mueller was at the helm during a pivotal time in U.S. history, and his leadership helped reshape the Bureau's priorities in response to the threats faced after 9/11. Later, he became widely known for overseeing the Special Counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, which scrutinized Donald Trump's campaign and led to significant political controversies and public debates.

His passing marks the end of an era for the FBI and law enforcement in the United States, and it raises questions about the legacy of his investigations, particularly regarding the ongoing discussions around election integrity and foreign influence in U.S. politics. The reaction to his death is likely to reflect on both the challenges he faced during his tenure and the impact of his work on subsequent political landscapes.