Lindsey Graham, a prominent US senator and close ally of former President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 71, as confirmed by his office. The Republican representative for South Carolina died suddenly on Saturday following a brief and unexpected illness.
Emergency services responded to his Capitol Hill residence on Saturday night after reports of a cardiac arrest, according to NBC News. Paramedics, police cars, and firefighters were seen at the scene.
Graham had recently returned from Ukraine after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. His office has requested privacy and prayers for the family during this difficult time.
The news of his passing comes as he was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet The Press on Sunday. Graham, who was first elected to the house 30 years ago and to the US Senate in 2002, was planning to run for re-election this year and was known for his strong support of President Trump.
A retired air force reserve colonel specializing in military law, Graham was vocal on defense and foreign affairs, advocating for military action against Iran and supporting the Iraq war. He also served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and eventually became one of Trump’s most loyal supporters after briefly running against him in the 2016 presidential race.