U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican and former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has addressed speculation surrounding the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, emphasizing the preliminary findings and recalling the South Carolina senator's demanding travel routine. Graham's office announced Sunday that the preliminary cause of death was 'Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.' The death certificate remains pending further toxicological and microscopic testing.
McCaul, speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail from Poland following a visit to Ukraine, expressed skepticism that foreign intelligence services would be involved in Graham's death. "I can't imagine the Russians would be that stupid to kill somebody ... like they did Navalny," McCaul stated, referencing the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He added that the repercussions for such an act against a prominent U.S. senator would be severe.
Graham, who represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2002, passed away unexpectedly. An announcement from his office stated he died from a "brief and sudden illness." A 911 call from Graham's residence around 8:30 p.m. reported "cardiac arrest," but an official cause was not immediately confirmed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been assisting local authorities in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on X that the agency was providing all necessary resources.
McCaul also provided insight into Graham's final days, describing his extensive travel schedule, which included meetings with NATO and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "He traveled a lot, and it can be exhausting," McCaul said. "He would carry a sleeping bag, and on those military planes, it's hard to sleep... It's not like these recliners, and he would sleep on the floor on a sleeping bag... It was not a glamorous lifestyle, and very tough on the body."
Before the preliminary cause of death was released, McCaul noted he was unsure if Graham had pre-existing heart conditions and hoped for natural causes. Graham was known for his strong support of U.S. involvement in international conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and against Iran.
McCaul expressed a desire for Graham's legacy to include the passage of sanctions against Russia, a bill that was in the works. He believes Graham's passing may provide momentum to advance the legislation, noting that Graham had met with the president to secure buy-in for the bill. McCaul anticipates the bill could be passed despite congressional gridlock and the approaching August recess and November elections.