Emergency dispatch audio reviewed by Fox News Digital captures the response to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham's Washington, D.C., home on the evening of Saturday, July 11th, 2026. First responders were dispatched shortly after 8 p.m. local time for a reported cardiac arrest.

Dispatchers initially relayed that the caller reported the front door was unlocked. However, upon arrival, responders found the door locked and received no response from inside. Metropolitan Police Department officers were then requested to force entry. Approximately 20 to 25 minutes after the initial dispatch, radio traffic indicated CPR was in progress inside the home.

Authorities stated the incident would be handled as a "Capitol Police matter only," with the final relevant radio communications occurring shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Senator Graham's office later announced that the 71-year-old senator died Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden" illness. The medical examiner's office said, "The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death."

Preliminary examination findings indicated an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Senator Graham's family has requested privacy during this difficult time and appreciates prayers.

In a Truth Social post honoring him, former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling the longtime South Carolina lawmaker a significant figure.

Sources