WASHINGTON: US Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican lawmaker and close ally of President Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
A statement released by Graham’s office said he died on the evening of Saturday, 11 July. His family requested privacy and thanked the public for its prayers and support during the difficult time.
Who was Lindsey Graham?
Graham represented South Carolina in the US Senate since 2003 and was one of the Republican Party’s most influential voices on foreign policy and national security. He previously served in the US House of Representatives before his election to the Senate and was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary earlier this year.
Throughout his political career, Graham played a leading role on defence, judicial and foreign affairs issues. In recent years, he was a vocal supporter of military assistance to Ukraine and backed a hard-line approach towards Iran.
How have leaders reacted?
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham, describing him as “a true American patriot” and saying he would be “greatly missed.”
Tributes also came from Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, who praised Graham’s longstanding support for Israel and his role in strengthening US-Israel relations.
What happens next?
Graham’s death creates a vacancy in one of South Carolina’s Senate seats. Details regarding funeral arrangements and the process for filling the vacancy have not yet been announced by his office or state authorities.