Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at age 71 following a sudden illness, with emergency responders finding possible signs of cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home Saturday night.
Graham, a decades-long Senate member and chair of the Senate Budget Committee, was discovered at his residence when emergency services arrived following a report of possible cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. The senior aide indicated Graham had shown no prior signs of health concerns before his death.
What Happened
Paramedics transported an individual on a stretcher from Graham’s residence to an ambulance as police vehicles and fire trucks responded to the scene, according to photographs reviewed by NBC News. Emergency medical details remained limited Sunday as officials had not released comprehensive medical information about the senator’s condition.
Graham had traveled to Kyiv just days before his death, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. The senator was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday morning, a program where he had been a frequent guest with 63 appearances.
The Reaction
President Donald Trump announced Graham’s death on Truth Social, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot.” Zelenskyy noted that Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s 2022 invasion, saying “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated Graham “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Graham “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
What Comes Next
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a replacement to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027. State election law is expected to require a special Republican primary by August 11 for selecting a new nominee for the November general election.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune described Graham as “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.” South Carolina Gov. McMaster called him “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America-and a loyal and steadfast friend.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
