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.
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, 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."
