WASHINGTON — In his first public statement on the Russia investigation, Special counsel Robert Mueller announced he’s closing the special counsel’s office and returning to private life.
“It’s important the office’s written work speaks for itself,” Mueller said about his report, which was delivered in March to Attorney General William Barr.
The statement is being delivered amid political disputes about the findings of Mueller’s investigation, particularly regarding whether President Donald Trump obstructed justice.
Mueller also noted that if the investigation had uncovered evidence that the president had obstructed justice charging him was not an option his office could consider.
The White House got a heads up Tuesday night that Mueller would likely deliver a statement on Wednesday about the Mueller investigation, according to a senior administration official, who added that the White House is going to wait until after his remarks to comment.
Barr also was given advance notice, according to a source familiar with the plans. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-New York, was also notified, a committee spokesman said.
The Justice Department released a redacted version of the special counsel’s report last month.
Mueller’s report into Russia meddling in the 2016 election did not find that Russia and the Trump campaign coordinated to sway the presidential election. It did not reach a conclusion on whether the president had obstructed justice.
Barr is currently in Alaska for work.