Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71, as confirmed by his office on Sunday. According to a statement, Graham passed away Saturday night due to a brief and sudden illness, with emergency personnel responding to a report of cardiac arrest at his home in Washington, D.C. Photographs obtained by NBC News show paramedics transporting a person on a stretcher to an ambulance at the scene.
Graham's family has requested privacy during this difficult time. He was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. At the time of his death, he was seeking a fifth six-year term. Graham had recently returned from a visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and advocated for increased collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Following his death, former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, describing Graham as a great senator and a true patriot. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also issued a statement, expressing devastation over Graham's passing and highlighting his contributions to the state and the nation.
Under South Carolina law, Governor McMaster has the authority to appoint a replacement for Graham's Senate seat. Graham was born on July 9, 1955, and had a lengthy political career, including service in the U.S. Air Force and as a member of the House of Representatives before becoming a senator.