Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies At 71 After Aortic Dissection, Medical Examiner Finds

Sen. Lindsey Graham, 71, died Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness," his office said, with preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia citing an aortic dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

CBS News reported that a recording of an emergency phone call on Saturday evening responding to a residence belonging to the senator mentioned a dispatch for cardiac arrest, and photos showed emergency responders taking a person from Graham's Capitol Hill home Saturday night.

20 Minutes

NBC News said emergency personnel responded to a call for "cardiac arrest" at Graham’s Capitol Hill home on Saturday night, and EMS audio later indicated CPR was in progress.

President Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," and said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he spoke with the senator Saturday evening after he returned from Ukraine, adding, "Other than being tired he was fine."

At the White House, flags were lowered to half-staff, and Trump ordered that all American flags must fly at half-staff until Saturday at 6 p.m., as NBC News reported.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., paid tribute to Graham as 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."

ABC11 News

The Hill reported that FBI Director Kash Patel said Sunday the bureau is "assisting local authorities" after Graham’s death, and that the FBI has made every necessary resource available.

Fox News reported that FBI agents were assisting Metropolitan Police Department officers with the normal process at Sen. Lindsey Graham’s house on Sunday and that there is "no indication of foul play at this point, according to two federal law enforcement sources."

Graham’s death triggers a scramble in South Carolina over who will fill his seat, with The Guardian saying Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a new senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on 3 January.

The Guardian reported that a special primary election is scheduled for 11 August to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, and it said the candidate would run against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician.

NBC News said McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until Jan. 3 of next year, and it noted that a special primary is expected by Aug. 11 under the state’s election laws.

Fox News reported that Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., is "seriously considering a run" for the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, and that Norman is expected to announce his decision Tuesday.