US senator Lindsey Graham has died after a “brief and sudden illness” at the age of 71, his office said.
The prominent ally of Donald Trump died on Saturday evening – a day after meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Zelensky meeting with Lindsey Graham in Kyiv on Friday Credit: EPA
Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 Credit: Reuters
A statement said: “On the evening of Saturday, July 11, Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
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Paramedics responded to a “cardiac arrest” at the senator’s Washington home on Saturday night, Jattvibe News reported.
Police and fire engines were also at the scene.
Graham was a prominent Republican senator from South Carolina.
On Friday, Zelensky said he was “grateful” to Graham “for recognising our warriors”.
He said it was Graham’s 10th visit to Ukraine.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster paid tribute to the sentator on X, saying he was “devastated” by Graham’s loss.
He called the politician “irreplaceable”, writing: “The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend.
“We grieve with [Graham’s sister] Darline, his family and his devoted staff.
“May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”
Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. Before serving in the upper house, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 for South Carolina’s third congressional district, according to his website.
A defence hawk, his website said he had “consistently pushed for outcomes in the War on Terror that protect our long-term national security interests.”
Graham recently served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
He also served as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Graham was not married and lived in Seneca, South Carolina.
More to follow…
