US Senator Lindsey Graham passes away at 71 after sudden illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away on Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced in a statement on X. The veteran Republican lawmaker from South Carolina was 71 years old. The cause of death has not been revealed, creating uncertainty for the Republican majority in the US Senate.

Graham's Political Legacy and Career

Early in his career, Graham was a lawyer for the US Air Force, stationed at the Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany from 1984 to 1988. He served as a Staff Judge Advocate during the Gulf War, preparing service members for deployment. Graham entered politics in 1994, winning a seat in the US House of Representatives from South Carolina's third congressional district. He was elected to the US Senate in 2002 and re-elected in 2008, 2014, and 2020.

Throughout his career, Graham was a prominent figure in US foreign policy, known for his strong support of Israel and Ukraine. He was also an advocate for NATO, particularly during a time when some in his party were leaning towards isolationism.

Reactions to Graham's Death

The news of Graham's passing has prompted reactions from various political leaders. Former President Donald Trump praised Graham as "one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known" and a "true American patriot." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his sorrow, noting that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. He referred to Graham as a "true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer."

Graham's Advocacy and Contributions

Graham was known for his unwavering support for various global issues, including his advocacy for the Kurdish people in their fight against the Islamic State. Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, remarked that "The people of Kurdistan will always remember his friendship and steadfast support."

Leaders from around the world, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also shared their condolences, highlighting Graham's commitment to global security and democracy.