Photo: Alamy
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., passed away at the age of 71 on Saturday evening following a “brief and sudden” illness, a statement from his office confirmed.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” it continued.
President Donald Trump also reacted to Graham’s death, calling the longtime South Carolina senator a “true American Patriot” and “one of the greatest people” he has ever known.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!” he wrote early Sunday morning in a post to Truth Social.
Graham was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, having won reelection three times. He was seeking a fifth term in the Senate, winning the Republican primary just one month ago.
He was also chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees.
This is a developing story.