South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away after suffering from a ‘brief and sudden illness,’ according to an official announcement.
His office shared the news in a statement, revealing that the senator died on Saturday evening.
The statement said, “On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S.Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness.” It also mentioned that his family is grateful for prayers and is asking for privacy during this very tough time.
Graham has been a strong supporter of the Republican Party since he started his political career in 1994 as a Representative and later became a senator in 2002.
According to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News, emergency services were called to his home in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night after a report of “cardiac arrest.” Witnesses nearby took photos showing paramedics carrying someone on a stretcher to an ambulance.
Graham was set to appear on NBC News’ Meet The Press on Sunday.
During the incident, paramedics were seen taking a person to a waiting ambulance.
Although he initially opposed Donald Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Graham later became a strong supporter of Trump’s MAGA agenda after losing the race.
In a tele-rally for Graham last month, Trump said, “He’s outstanding.He’s been at my side for a long time.” Reflecting on the 2016 race, Trump added, “After that fight was over, we were best of friends, and he’s helped me as much as anybody in the Senate.”
Graham often communicated with Trump and was a regular on the golf course with the president.
He especially advised Trump on foreign policy, including matters related to Iran and Russia.Recently, Graham had announced an agreement with the Trump administration to move forward with a package of sanctions against Russia.
As a member of the U.S.
House in the 1990s, he supported policies that aimed to isolate the country and restrict its missile and nuclear programs.He also supported Trump’s decision to attack nuclear sites last year and had backed the latest conflict that started a few months ago.
Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was running for a fifth Senate term in November.
Tributes have begun to come in.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster posted on X, calling Graham an “irreplaceable” politician.He wrote, “The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend.We grieve with Darline [Graham’s sister], his family and his devoted staff.May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand.We shall not see his likes again.”
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