U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died Saturday night at age 71 following a brief and sudden illness. The Republican lawmaker, a longtime foreign policy voice and ally of President Donald Trump, was pronounced dead after emergency responders were called to his Capitol Hill residence.
Graham’s office announced the death on Sunday, describing it as the result of a brief and sudden illness. Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner listed the cause as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Emergency medical technicians responded to his home around 8:30 p.m. Saturday for a cardiac arrest and later transported him to George Washington University Hospital.
Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle. President Trump called Graham one of the greatest senators he had known and ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until Saturday evening. Senator Cory Booker recalled working with Graham on the First Step Act, describing him as an “unguided missile” who could deliver results when aligned on an issue.
Graham had served in the Senate since 2003 and was running for reelection. He was known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy and his evolving relationship with Trump, moving from critic to close supporter. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement for the remainder of the term.
