FBI interviews Lindsey Graham's neighbors as probe into his sudden death continues

WASHINGTON, DC: FBI agents returned to the Capitol Hill home of the late Sen Lindsey Graham on Monday, July 13, interviewing neighbors and examining the area as authorities continued investigating the South Carolina Republican's sudden death, even as officials said there is no evidence of foul play.

According to reports, around 20 federal agents were seen on Graham's street, with neighbors saying investigators asked whether they had noticed anything unusual in the hours before the senator died Saturday at age 71. An unmarked law enforcement vehicle also remained stationed outside his residence after agents left.

A spokesperson for Graham said preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner identified the cause of death as aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Officials have stressed that investigators have not uncovered evidence suggesting criminal activity, and the FBI said it is assisting out of an abundance of caution.

Lindsey Graham's final trip fuels online speculation

The investigation has drawn widespread attention because Graham died shortly after returning from a diplomatic trip to Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky and toured a drone manufacturing facility. Before visiting Kyiv, Graham attended a NATO summit in Turkey, where he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and discussed regional security, including efforts to counter Iran's influence.

President Donald Trump later revealed he had spoken with Graham just hours before his death, describing the senator as sounding "a little bit tired, but perfect." The two reportedly discussed Ukraine and proposed sanctions targeting Russia.

The timing of Graham's death has fueled speculation online, particularly among some conservative commentators, although authorities have not linked his death to his overseas travel or political activities.

Authorities urge caution as investigation continues

The Metropolitan Police Department is leading the death investigation, while the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to issue the official cause and manner of death after completing additional testing, including toxicology.

Texas Sen John Cornyn told reporters he supported releasing the toxicology results to address public questions surrounding Graham's death. Axios also reported that Graham had complained of feeling unwell the night before he died but declined to seek medical care, saying he wanted to complete scheduled television appearances and legislative work first.

Online speculation has also intensified after pro-Iran social media accounts celebrated Graham's death, and some users circulated unsupported claims suggesting foreign involvement. However, investigators have emphasized that no evidence currently supports those theories.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not announced when final findings will be released.