Senator Lindsey Graham dies after "brief and sudden illness"
Senator Lindsey Graham has died aged 71 on Saturday evening.
Updated on: July 12, 2026 / 3:39 AM EDT / CBS News
Senator Lindsey Graham has died on Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden illness."
"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," his office said in a statement. "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
No further detail on Graham's death was immediately available, but a recording of an emergency phone call on Saturday evening to a residence belonging to the senator mentions a dispatch for cardiac arrest.
President Trump paid tribute to the deceased senator, calling him "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known," in a Truth Social post .
"He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed," Mr. Trump said.