WASHINGTON — Americans gathered at memorials, churches and public spaces on Sunday to mourn the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, while political leaders from across the ideological spectrum paid tribute to the longtime South Carolina Republican whose decades in public office made him one of the country's most recognizable political figures.
Graham, 71, died on Saturday after what his office initially described as a brief and sudden illness. His office later said preliminary findings by the District of Columbia medical examiner indicated the cause of death was an aortic dissection resulting from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Supporters left flowers, flags and handwritten messages outside locations associated with Graham's public career in South Carolina and Washington, while religious congregations included prayers for his family during Sunday services, according to local media reports. Public officials also observed moments of remembrance as condolences continued to arrive from across the United States and abroad.
President Donald Trump described Graham as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" in a social media post, while Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike praised his long Senate career despite often sharp policy disagreements. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island said Graham was "a consequential voice and gifted communicator" who was willing to work across party lines on issues including national security and judicial nominations.
International leaders also issued statements of condolence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised Graham as a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, noting the senator's repeated visits to the country and advocacy for continued U.S. assistance following Russia's full-scale invasion. Israeli leaders likewise recognized Graham's longstanding support for Israel during his Senate tenure.
First elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Graham became a leading Republican voice on foreign policy, military affairs and the federal judiciary. Although he sharply criticized Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential campaign, he later became one of the president's closest allies in Congress and played a prominent role in advancing administration priorities.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene this week under the shadow of Graham's death, with lawmakers expected to continue paying tribute before returning to legislative business. Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim successor until a special election is held to fill the remainder of Graham's term.
