The nation was stunned early Sunday by the sudden death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, 71.
His office confirmed that the senior Republican senator died on the evening of Saturday, July 11, after a brief, rapid illness that was not disclosed.
The statement requested privacy for the family and asked that prayers be directed toward them during this difficult time.
Emergency responders were called to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence after a report of cardiac arrest. Police scanner audio captured the arrival of paramedics, who placed a person on a stretcher and transported them to an awaiting ambulance amid a scene that also included police cars and fire trucks.
Graham had returned that day from a trip to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was scheduled to appear on a major news program the following day.
The senator’s death creates a significant vacancy in the U.S. Senate and alters the political dynamics in South Carolina, where he was seeking reelection.
Under state law, the governor will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election determines a permanent successor.
