FBI director Kash Patel pays tribute to late US Senator Lindsey Graham

Following the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States, Kash Patel paid tribute to the late lawmaker and confirmed that the Bureau is actively supporting the investigation into his death.

While sharing a heartfelt post on social media platform 'X' for expressing his condelence, FBI director Patel said "Lindsey Graham was a devoted public servant, a fierce defender of our nation, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the people of South Carolina and the United States."

"Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him during this devastating time."

Patel said "FBI is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available” to provide full clarity surrounding the circumstances of Graham's sudden illness, which occurred shortly after the Senator returned from an official trip to Ukraine.

Senator Graham had been a key supporter of Patel’s nomination, voting to confirm him as FBI Director in a tight 51–49 Senate vote.

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.

The 71 years old South Carolina lawmaker died after a "brief and sudden illness," his office posted on X early on Sunday.

US media said emergency personnel had responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home on Saturday night.

Patel joined a wave of prominent Washington figures, led by President Donald Trump, who honored Graham’s decades of public service and his influential role in American foreign policy and national security.