WASHINGTON, D.C.– The United States Department of Justice has announced a special counsel has been appointed to investigate Russian interference into last year’s presidential election.
Former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been assigned by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to “oversee the previously-confirmed FBI investigation of Russian government efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election and related matters.”
Mueller served as FBI Director under nearly all of former President George W. Bush’s presidency and several months of former President Barack Obama’s, from September 2001 until September 2013.
In a statement, Rosenstein said, “My decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted. I have made no such determination. What I have determined is that based upon the unique circumstances, the public interest requires me to place this investigation under the authority of a person who exercises a degree of independence from the normal chain of command.”
Mueller will have 60 days to put together a budget for resources to conduct the investigation and that budget must be approved by Rosenstein. Attorney General Jeff Sessions previously recused himself from all matters related to the presidential campaign.
“Special Counsel Mueller will have all appropriate resources to conduct a thorough and complete investigation, and I am confident that he will follow the facts, apply the law and reach a just result,” said Rosenstein in the statement, released May 17, 2017.
As special counsel, Mueller can be expected to have the full powers and independent authority to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions of any United States attorney.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
