New details have emerged about the final moments before the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, with police scanner audio providing a glimpse into the emergency response at his Washington, D.C., home on the night he died.
According to police scanner audio reported by NBC News, emergency crews rushed to Graham’s residence after receiving a report of a cardiac arrest, with responders ultimately requesting police assistance to gain entry into the home.
The longtime South Carolina senator died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
Emergency responders requested forced entry
The audio, reported by NBC News, captured emergency personnel arriving at Graham’s home on Saturday evening after a 911 call reported a cardiac arrest at the property.
According to the report, responders initially struggled to reach the patient.
One emergency responder was asked whether anyone inside had answered repeated knocks at the door. The responder replied, “Yes, repeatedly.”
A short time later, the same responder requested assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, saying officers would be needed to force entry into the residence.
Approximately 20 minutes later, another transmission indicated that CPR was underway, with the responder requesting a CPR adviser while confirming that resuscitation efforts were in progress.
The audio offers the first detailed look at the emergency response that unfolded before Graham was transported for medical treatment.
Senator dies at 71
Graham’s office later confirmed that the veteran Republican lawmaker had died following what it described as a “brief and sudden illness.”
The statement did not disclose a cause of death or provide additional medical details.
President Donald Trump was among the first public figures to react to the news, paying tribute to Graham on Truth Social.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump wrote. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”
Before his death, Graham had recently returned from Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and visited a munitions factory.
The overseas trip marked one of his final public appearances before the medical emergency at his Washington home.
For years, Graham remained one of President Trump’s closest allies in Congress and was widely recognized for his outspoken views on national security and foreign policy.
His office has not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding his death beyond describing it as a brief and sudden illness.
As tributes continue to arrive from colleagues and world leaders, the newly reported emergency communications provide a sobering account of the final efforts made to reach and assist the longtime senator during his final moments.
