New Details Emerge About Senator Graham’s Final Hours Before Passing
Emergency Call Reveals Timeline of Events
Graham asked a staffer to call 911 – According to statements made by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, a critical moment unfolded on Saturday evening when Senator Lindsey Graham experienced what would ultimately prove to be fatal chest pains. At that time, one of Graham’s scheduling assistants was present with Tuberville’s own staff member at a local restaurant, where they were watching the World Cup together. The phone call that followed set in motion a series of events leading to the senator’s death.
Tuberville shared his account with reporters on Monday, describing how Graham reached out to his scheduler with an urgent message.
“Lindsey called, called basically, said, ‘Listen, I’m having chest pains. You know, I need to do something,'” Tuberville explained to the press.
When the scheduler inquired whether Graham had already contacted emergency services, his response was telling.
“No, that’s the reason I called you,”
Graham replied, according to Tuberville’s retelling of the conversation.
911 Responders Arrive Quickly
The emergency response was swift. Tuberville noted that by the time the scheduler arrived at Graham’s location, paramedics had already broken through the door and were actively treating the senator.
“By the time she got there, 911 had knocked the door down, and they were working on him,”
Tuberville recounted.
This account aligns with earlier CNN reporting, which indicated that emergency personnel were dispatched to a Washington DC residence around 8:30 pm ET. Dispatch audio obtained through Broadcastify confirmed that someone calling from Baltimore reported Graham was experiencing chest pains and was en route to the home. Graham had recently returned from a diplomatic trip to Ukraine when the incident occurred.
President Trump’s Final Conversation
President Donald Trump revealed that he had spoken with Graham shortly before the senator’s death. The two discussed Graham’s voter identification legislation, known as the “SAVE America Act,” as well as the senator’s recent international travels.
“He said, ‘I’m tired because it’s a long trip,’ but other than that, he was – he was fine,”
Trump recalled their conversation.
Medical Findings and Pending Reports
Taylor Reidy, who serves as communications director for Graham, previously announced that the DC medical examiner’s office determined the senator died from complications related to an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which serves as the body’s primary artery.
While an aortic dissection differs from a heart attack, its symptoms—including chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and potential loss of consciousness—can mimic more familiar medical emergencies. A comprehensive autopsy remains underway to provide complete findings.
Political Figures Seek Transparency
Republican Senator John Cornyn expressed his desire for the toxicology report to be made public.
“We, you know, I saw the initial diagnosis of a dissected aorta — which is terrible, I mean, obviously, that could cause his death — but given where he was and the sorts of things he was advocating for, I think we just ought to resolve all those questions by seeing what the toxicology reports show,”
Cornyn stated, emphasizing the need to address online speculation.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Tuberville provided additional context about the scheduler who placed the 911 call, noting that she previously worked in his office. Reflecting on Graham’s dedication, Tuberville offered a poignant assessment.
“Lindsey basically worked himself to death,”
he said.
“Most of us have families. He didn’t have any family, and if we had a couple of days off, he went to that airport. He went somewhere to try to work out something for our country.”
CNN’s Morgan Rimmer and Ted Barrett contributed reporting to this story.
