Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican and close ally of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has broken his silence regarding Graham's death, addressing speculation and detailing the senator's demanding travel routine.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, McCaul, who is not seeking reelection, stated that while foreign intelligence agencies likely monitor U.S. lawmakers abroad, he believes they would not risk the severe repercussions of harming a prominent figure like Graham. "I can't imagine the Russians would be that stupid to kill somebody ...like they did Navalny," McCaul said, referencing the death of the Russian opposition leader. He added that such an act against a senator would be "extremely foolish."
Graham's preliminary cause of death was later disclosed by his office as "Aortic Dissection due to Arteriosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease." A statement from Graham's office noted that the death certificate would remain pending final toxicological and microscopic testing.
McCaul recounted Graham's strenuous travel schedule, including trips to Ukraine and NATO meetings. "He traveled a lot, and it can be exhausting. 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, you know, curled up in a sleeping bag and with a pillow. I mean, it was not a glamorous lifestyle, and a very tough on the body," McCaul revealed.
Before the preliminary cause of death was announced, McCaul expressed hope that Graham's passing was due to natural causes, noting he was unsure if the senator had any pre-existing heart conditions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation had been assisting local authorities in the investigation following Graham's unexpected death.
Graham, who represented South Carolina from 2002, passed away after a brief illness. A 911 call from his residence reported cardiac arrest, though no official cause of death was immediately confirmed. The FBI confirmed it was providing necessary resources for the probe.
McCaul suggested that Graham's legacy could be solidified by the passage of sanctions against Russia, a bill that was in the works and planned for introduction this week. "The one thing, one positive of his passing, and I know Lindsey would appreciate this, is that through his death, he possibly achieved more than if he was alive," McCaul stated, believing Graham's passing would provide momentum for the bill's passage in Congress. McCaul noted that Graham's final actions included meeting with President Zelenskyy and the president to gain support for the legislation. He expressed confidence that the bill would be passed despite current congressional gridlock and the approaching August recess and November elections.