How did Lindsey Graham die? What happened at the Capitol Hill residence of Trump loyalists? Police Audio Reveals… | Today’s news
Lindsey Graham death: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest loyalists in Congress and a prominent proponent of a more assertive U.S. foreign policy, died Saturday at the age of 71 after a “short and sudden illness,” his office said.
In a statement shared on social media early Sunday, his office said the family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”
Emergency crews were called to Lindsey Graham’s Capitol Hill mansion Saturday night after receiving a report of a “cardiac arrest,” NBC News, which had access to police scanner audio, reported. Later EMS transmissions indicated that CPR was administered.
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Lindsey Graham died of a ‘short and sudden illness’ at the age of 71, his office confirmed.
Speculation has arisen due to Graham’s recent visit to Ukraine and the threats made against him, but there is no public evidence to support claims of foul play.
After reports of a cardiac arrest, emergency services were called to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence and CPR was performed on him before he was transported to the hospital.
Graham was known as a foreign policy hawk, advocating military intervention and recently supporting sanctions against Russia while pushing for aid to Ukraine.
Some individuals, including commentator Laura Loomer, have called for an investigation into the circumstances of his death, particularly in light of his recent anti-Russia stance.
Footage she reviewed showed paramedics carrying a person on a stretcher from Graham’s home to a waiting ambulance while police cars and fire engines remained stationed outside the residence.
A senior Graham aide told NBC News early Sunday that there was no indication the senator was unwell before his death.
Trump on Lindsey Graham
Trump described Graham as “like a family member. It’s very hard.” In an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump said Graham called him Saturday night after returning from a visit to Ukraine. “He sounded a little tired, but perfect,” the president said.
Read also | Laura Loomer questions Lindsey Graham’s death: ‘Did Russia poison him?’
“Well, it’s devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night. Where he was really coming strong was the SAVE America Act, and I think he’s going to be very strong on the filibuster there … he was a strong supporter of SAVE America, and that’s what he called me last night about,” Trump mentioned.
Read also | US Senator Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71 after a short and sudden illness
He added: “It’s hard to lose him. He was great — he was unique in every way… He was like a family member to me. It’s very hard. I want to honor Lindsey Graham’s life, so I don’t want to talk about it. I told you that before the phone call… I want to talk about one person today — Lindsey Graham.”
Who was Lindsey Graham?
Widely regarded as a foreign policy hawk, Graham has been among the most influential voices in Washington on international affairs and has often advised Trump on issues including Iran and Russia. Just a day before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to enforce a new package of sanctions against Russia.
As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Graham also played a key role during Trump’s second term, helping to steer major Republican-backed legislation in the Senate, where the party held a narrow 53-47 majority.
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Graham was elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives and building a reputation as a strong supporter of US military intervention and a strong national defense policy. In later years, these positions increasingly put him at odds with the growing isolationist faction of the Republican Party.
He eventually became one of Trump’s closest political allies, despite briefly challenging him for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
However, their relationship began on a confrontational note. Graham called Trump “unfit for office” during the campaign and also used profanity to criticize him after Trump made disparaging remarks about Arizona Republican John McCain, Graham’s close friend in the Senate and a Vietnam War veteran.
McCain, Graham and independent Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut were widely known as the “Three Amigos” and often traveled abroad together to advocate for their foreign policy positions.
Meanwhile, according to the AP, under South Carolina law, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint an interim replacement to fill Graham’s Senate seat. Graham sought a fifth term in the November election.
