WASHINGTON — Lindsey Graham, a Republican who was elected to the Senate in 2003 and was a close political ally of President Donald Trump, has died, his office confirmed early Sunday. He was 71 years old.
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Graham died Saturday night “from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.
Graham was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and ran for a fifth six-year term in the Senate in November. He was one of the most prominent members of the House and a key voice within the party on defense and foreign affairs.
Emergency personnel responded to a “cardiac arrest” call at Graham’s Capitol Hill home Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
Photos reviewed by NBC News showed paramedics carrying the man on a stretcher from Graham’s home to a waiting ambulance. Police cars and fire engines were also at the scene.
Graham just returned from a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday. He was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
His death comes as fellow Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell remains hospitalized after paramedics responded to a well-known home last month for a man suffering cardiac arrest.
A spokesman for McConnell said the former GOP leader continues to recover, but his team did not provide additional information about his condition.
This developing story. Please stay tuned for updates.
