US senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 following ‘brief and sudden illness’

Lindsey Graham, who was elected to the Senate in 2023 and was a close political friend of President Donald Trump has died at the age of 71, according to reports from his office confirmed early Sunday.

His office said in a statement: “Graham died Saturday night from a brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement continued.

Graham was a chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was seeking a fifth-sixth Senate term in November. He was known as a central player and an active voice within the party on defense and international affairs.

According to police audio obtained by NBC News, emergency crews immediately responded to a call for cardiac arrest at Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, photographs reviewed by new show showed that paramedics carried a person on a stretcher from Graham’s home to awaiting paramedical assistance.

Graham was a retired air force reserve colonel who specialized as a military lawyer, supported the Iraq war and had long urged military action in Iran.