Sen. Lindsey Graham Honored at Capitol Rotunda Ceremony Ahead of South Carolina Funeral

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died in July 2026, with state-level announcements of his passing appearing around July 10-12, 2026. Following his death, President Trump ordered that flags be flown at half-staff nationwide, a directive implemented by state governors including Ohio's Mike DeWine, who ordered flags lowered at public buildings until sunset on July 18, 2026. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued a statement describing Graham as irreplaceable and a fierce advocate for the state and the country, extending condolences to his family and staff. A tribute ceremony honoring Graham was held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, attended by members of Congress and other officials. Senate Majority Leader John Thune spoke at the ceremony, saying he feels Graham's absence every day. President Trump delivered a eulogy for Graham, who had been his one-time rival for the presidency and later became a close political ally. Reports indicated that international leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were expected to attend the Capitol ceremony. Following the Capitol Rotunda tribute, a funeral service for Graham was scheduled to take place in South Carolina on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The exact cause and precise date of Graham's death were not detailed in the available reporting. Specific remarks made by other speakers at the Capitol ceremony, and further details of the South Carolina funeral service, remain unreported in the available sources.