Patel says FBI ‘is assisting local authorities’ after Graham’s death

Administration Patel says FBI ‘is assisting local authorities’ after Graham’s death Comments: by Max Rego - 07/12/26 3:16 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Max Rego - 07/12/26 3:16 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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FBI Director Kash Patel said Sunday his bureau is “assisting local authorities” in the wake of the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

“Senator Lindsey Graham was 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,” Patel wrote on social platform X.

“Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who knew him during this devastating time,” he added. “The FBI is assisting local authorities and has made every necessary resource available.”

Graham, 71, died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening, his office announced early Sunday.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the four-term senator’s office added.

The Hill has reached out to the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department regarding whether they suspect foul play in the South Carolina lawmaker’s death.

Emergency personnel responded to a call for “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s home in Capitol Hill on Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.

Photographs from the scene acquired by the outlet show paramedics carrying a person on a stretcher from Graham’s house to an ambulance, with police cars and fire trucks also on site.

While the Senate was on recess this past week, Graham traveled to Ukraine amid Russia’s continued invasion of the eastern European country. While there, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.

Graham, a defense hawk, has staunchly backed Ukraine amid its war against Russia. On Friday, he joined forces with a group of bipartisan senators in reaching an agreement with the White House on language for a bill imposing sanctions on Russia.

President Trump said Sunday he spoke to Graham on Saturday evening, shortly after the lawmaker returned to Washington from Ukraine.

“He sounded a little tired, but perfect. But a little bit tired, he had a right to be,” Trump told host Kristen Welker on NBC News’s “Meet the Press.”