In the weeks before his death, Graham discussed a push to achieve normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia by November.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Federal authorities are working with local officials following the sudden death of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a 71-year-old Republican whose office said he died Saturday night after a “brief and sudden illness.”
FBI Director Kash Patel paid tribute to Graham on Sunday, describing him as a “devoted public servant, a fierce defender of our nation, and a true patriot who dedicated his life to the people of South Carolina and the United States.”
The FBI is assisting local authorities as they examine the circumstances surrounding Graham’s death, officials said.
Graham had been in Ukraine on Friday, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his tenth trip to the country.
Known for his hawkish approach to defense policy, the senator strongly supported Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Graham was also a longtime supporter of Israel.
In the weeks before his death, he discussed a push to achieve normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia by November, ahead of the swearing-in of the next US Congress, Axios reported Sunday, citing conversations with the senator over the past couple of weeks.
Details of the emergency response at Graham’s home later emerged through audio reviewed by USA Today.
Crews were initially dispatched following a report of chest pain and subsequently described administering CPR to a person who appeared to be in cardiac arrest.
Graham’s office provided no further information about the illness that led to his death.
Graham had spoken with President Donald Trump by phone shortly before emergency personnel arrived after returning from Ukraine.
“He said he’s a little tired. It’s a long trip, you know, many hours. And he had just gotten back,” Trump said during a July 12 interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
President Trump said the emergency response apparently began soon after their call.
“I mean, it must have been right after that because I understand the police, or whoever it is, came there about 7:30, 8 o’clock in the evening,” President Trump said.
“We thought we might even meet today. And then that was it,” the president said. “It could have been his last call. I don’t know exactly.”
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