South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died at his Capitol Hill home on Saturday evening following a sudden illness, triggering widespread tributes across Washington, as reported by The Guardian.
Emergency medical personnel responded to a call regarding chest pains at the residence around 8:30 p. m.
, performing CPR before the lawmaker succumbed to cardiac arrest.
The sudden passing of the 71-year-old politician leaves a vacancy in the Senate ahead of the upcoming midterm elections later this year.
Tributes Pour In
Former President Donald Trump expressed deep condolences and recalled speaking with his close political ally shortly before the incident occurred.
Trump described Graham as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and noted their final conversation focused on legislative efforts to gather support for the Save America Act.
"He was like a member of the family," Trump said.
International leaders also expressed grief, particularly highlighting the senator's firm stance as a prominent foreign policy hawk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with the lawmaker on Friday, praised his dedicated support for international freedom, calling him "a determined leader" and "true defender of freedom."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement honoring the South Carolina senator's legacy, saying Israel "lost one of its greatest friends."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was "shocked and heartbroken" by the news.
South Carolina Republican Representative Ralph Norman offered a heartfelt tribute, saying the state "lost a devoted public servant."
"Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving our state and our country. His passing is a tremendous loss," Norman said.
Fellow South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson expressed deep shock, highlighting Graham's extensive military and legislative career as an Air Force veteran and longtime lawmaker.
"The country has lost a beloved leader — and I have lost a respected colleague and friend. Lindsey will be missed," Wilson wrote.
A Complicated Political Journey
Before becoming a close ally, Graham had been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary.
The South Carolina politician frequently used harsh language to describe Trump during that highly contested election cycle, calling him a "jackass," "a race-baiting bigot," and "the most flawed nominee in the history of the Republican party."
He famously predicted severe electoral consequences on social media: "If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed … and we will deserve it."
The senator briefly broke from the president following the events at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, saying "count me out.
Enough is enough."
The passing of Graham marks the final departure of a famous legislative trio in the United States Senate.
Historical records note that Graham, Joe Lieberman, and John McCain were affectionately known as the "three amigos" for their tight friendship and hawkish foreign policy stances.
South Carolina state law requires a special primary election on August 11 to fill the ballot vacancy for November's election.
