Justice Department Names Special Prosecutor for Russia Probe

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has just announced that former FBI Director Robert Mueller has been named as a special prosecutor to investigate Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election. 

“Mueller will take command of the prosecutors and FBI agents who are working on the far reaching Russia investigation, which spans multiple FBI field offices on both coasts, CNBC reports. Mueller headed the FBI for 12 years under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

The welcome move was unexpected. Many Democrats have been calling on Rosenstein to appoint a special prosecutor, technically called a special counsel, to take over the investigation.

UPDATE I: 6:20 PM EDT –
Here’s the official order. It’s important to note it makes clear Mueller has prosecutorial powers:

Also, Mueller is highly respected. Preet Bharara, the U.S. Attorney fired by Trump, supports this choice:

UPDATE II: 6:34 PM EDT –
CNN’s Jim Acosta gave the White House less than one hour’s notice that a special counsel would be appointed. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan was not notified.

Here’s an excerpt from the DOJ announcement:

Each year, the career professionals of the U.S. Department of Justice conduct tens of thousands of criminal investigations and handle countless other matters without regard to partisan political considerations. I have great confidence in the independence and integrity of our people and our processes. Considering the unique circumstances of this matter, however, I determined that a Special Counsel is necessary in order for the American people to have full confidence in the outcome. Our nation is grounded on the rule of law, and the public must be assured that government officials administer the law fairly. Special Counsel Mueller will have all appropriate resources to conduct a thorough and complete investigation, and I am confidence that he will follow the facts, apply the law and reach a just result.

UPDATE III: 6:43 PM EDT –
MSNBC’s Ari Melber:

Eric Holder’s statement:

More to come.  

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