WASHINGTON Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special prosecutor overseeing the investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 presidential election.

In a statement, Rosenstein stressed that his decision is not a finding that crimes have been committed or that any prosecution is warranted. But he said hed determined 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.

In an order dated May 17, Rosenstein wrote that Mueller will conduct an investigation into any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump , along with any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.

The White House reportedly found out about the appointment with less than an hours notice .