COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – In a solemn tribute to the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has directed that flags across the state be flown at half-staff.
The 71-year-old Republican senator passed away on Saturday, succumbing to what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” The news of his passing was made public shortly before 2 a.m. on Sunday.
“In honor of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and in recognition of his remarkable contributions and life of service, I have ordered that the flags atop the State Capitol be lowered to half-staff,” announced Governor McMaster.
Governor McMaster has mandated that the flags at the State Capitol be immediately lowered and remain so until further notice. He extended this request to include flags at state buildings and those belonging to political subdivisions.
NBC News reported that emergency personnel responded to a call for “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s Capitol Hill home Saturday night. Additional details have not yet been released.
Reaction poured in from both parties in the hours after Graham’s death, including from McMaster, who said early Sunday that he and First Lady Peggy McMaster were devastated.
“Peggy and I—and our children—are devastated. Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America—and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again,” McMaster said.
Flags were also lowered at the White House and the U.S. Capitol on Sunday morning.