Chief Critic
“I don’t see a lot of evil there. I know there’s all sorts of conspiracy theories. The FBI is wasting their time,” President Donald Trump said Tuesday when asked why the FBI is looking into Graham’s death and why agents were at his home. Trump said he wished Graham “took better care of himself” and Graham had known heart issues. Trump said doctors explained Graham’s condition to him, and “they say it’s almost undetectable.”
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What Did Preliminary Medical Exams Reveal About Graham’s Death?
Graham died from “aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” according to a preliminary report from the District of Columbia medical examiner’s office obtained by multiple outlets. The condition occurs when there is a tear in the body’s primary artery, the aorta. The death certificate is pending and will be finalized when all toxicological and microscopic testing is finalized, the medical examiner said.
What Did Graham’s Office Say About His Death Initially?
His office released a statement early Sunday saying he died “from a brief and sudden illness,” on the evening of Saturday, July 11, adding, “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
What To Watch For
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Monday he wants a toxicology report on Graham made public “to rule out any foul play” and debunk conspiracies. “I saw the initial diagnosis of a dissected aorta,” Cornyn told CNN, adding, “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.”
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Key Background
Graham, 71, spoke to Trump around 7 p.m. Saturday. But then Graham called his scheduler, told her he was having chest pains and asked her to call for help, according to Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., whose staffer was with the scheduler when she got the call from Graham, CNN reported. EMS services were called to his residence to assist a person experiencing chest pains around 8:30 p.m., where responders performed CPR, and took Graham to George Washington University Hospital.
further reading
Lindsey Graham’s Sister Appointed To Finish His Term (Forbes)
Lindsey Graham Died From Cardiovascular Disease, Preliminary Report Says (Forbes)
Lindsey Graham Died From Cardiovascular Disease, Preliminary Report Says (Forbes)
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