‘We have him on camera yesterday looking perfectly healthy. None of this is making any sense’
By Joe Kovacs
Legendary U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a key ally of President Donald Trump who recently was known for his strong stance against a nuclear-armed Iran and supporter of Ukraine in its war with Russia, died Saturday from a “brief and sudden illness” at the age of 71.
A statement from his office indicated: “On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. 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.”
Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026
Trump said on Truth Social: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”
Regarding the circumstances surrounding Graham’s demise, NBC News reports:
Emergency personnel responded to a call for “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
Photographs reviewed by NBC News show that paramedics carried a person on a stretcher from Graham’s home to an awaiting ambulance. Police cars and fire trucks were also on site.
A top staffer to Graham told NBC News early Sunday that there was no indication the lawmaker was feeling unwell prior to his death. He had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune paid tribute to a “strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe,” while South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham had been “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America–and a loyal and steadfast friend.”
According to South Carolina law, McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until Jan. 3 of next year. …
Graham was fresh off a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
Journalist Nick Sorter pointed out: “Coincidentally, a similar 911 call related to a cardiac arrest at Mitch McConnell’s DC home was made just weeks ago as well. He has not been seen in public since.”
🚨 BREAKING: LINDSEY GRAHAM DEAD AT 71, HOURS AFTER RETURNING FROM UKRAINE
Senator Graham passed after a “brief and sudden illness” following reports of a cardiac arrest at his home on Capitol Hill
Coincidentally, a similar 911 call related to a cardiac arrest at Mitch… pic.twitter.com/nbmb1qFlwd
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 12, 2026
Matt Van Swol, a former nuclear scientist for the U.S. Department of Energy expressed total bewilderment at Graham’s death, saying: “I’m sorry, but Lindsey Graham dying out of the blue like this doesn’t make any sense at all.
“We have him on camera yesterday looking perfectly healthy. None of this is making any sense.”
I’m sorry, but Lindsey Graham dying out of the blue like this doesn’t make any sense at all.
We have him on camera yesterday looking perfectly healthy.
None of this is making any sense… pic.twitter.com/rkcUP1xIEN
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) July 12, 2026
On July 6, as Iran was holding a funeral for its Ayatollah Khamenei killed by the U.S. in recent military action, signs were held by protesters with pictures of Graham, Trump and other hawkish Americans including Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer with targets on their faces and a message reading: “Sooner or later, your heads will roll.”
Graham was proud of that image, saying on X: “At least they used a good photo of me. Judge me by my enemies.”
At least they used a good photo of me.
Judge me by my enemies. https://t.co/Ok2Oq1v4O5 pic.twitter.com/b1RBvzKo9K
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 6, 2026
Last year, Trump posted a glowing endorsement of Graham, and the senator’s office pinned that message to the top of its page Sunday, in which Graham said: “President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend.
“On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump – through sheer force of will – achieved the greatest political comeback in American history.
“On a personal level, I genuinely enjoy our friendship. He’s an awesome golfing buddy, who I have yet to beat.
“I look forward to being one of the driving forces in the U.S. Senate to enact President Trump’s agenda to make America more prosperous and more secure.
President Trump’s endorsement means the world to me. I am humbled by his faith in me as a Senator and as a friend.
On a professional level, I am proud to have been there at the beginning when President Trump — through sheer force of will —achieved the greatest political comeback… pic.twitter.com/uLmTmM7Dof
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 27, 2025
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky honored Graham in a Sunday morning X post, saying, “America and the world have lost a determined leader.”
“Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” said Zelensky.
“He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.
“A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders.”
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.
He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it… pic.twitter.com/7oE2F5ZDAy
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 12, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of Graham: “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham.
In our recent meeting, I said, “Lindsey is a great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine. We have no better friend than Lindsey.”
Lindsey understood that the security… pic.twitter.com/JG2mUUAfFT
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) July 12, 2026
Graham ran for president unsuccessfully in 2016, withdrawing from the Republican primaries after polling at a mere 1%.
During that campaign Trump famously published the senator’s personal cell-phone number, urging his fans to “try it.”
Graham subsequently made a comedic video on how to destroy a cell phone.
Trump gave out Lindsey Graham’s personal cell phone number in 2016 in response to their vicious primary fight.
No one knew how to respond.
I offered to make a video showing the Senator destroying his cell phone.
Here’s how that turned out. Went viral and changed everything…🤣 pic.twitter.com/8jkAUTLSat
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 12, 2026