WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered in U.S. Capitol Rotunda ceremony

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Jul 28, 2026 11:45 AM EDT

The remains of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham arrived at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, his flag-draped casket carried inside by an armed forces team, in recognition of his military service.

Watch the full ceremony in the video player above.

He was being honored at a tribute in the Rotunda, the start of two days of services for the South Carolina senator.

WATCH LIVE: Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered in funeral service at Washington National Cathedral

Several Cabinet officials, including former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the Homeland Security secretary, were in attendance, as was acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who faces a rocky Senate confirmation for the job.

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Thune hails Graham as a towering figure in the Senate and the international stage

"I traveled with Lindsey all over the world as part of the congressional delegations and I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders around the world," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said.

Thune and others honored Graham at a tribute Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda.

Thune cited Graham's sense of humor. He said that when lawmakers would gather for dinners in Washington, Graham was always the first call. He said no one was more capable of cracking up a room.

Choking up, he closed by telling Graham to "rest in peace my friend."

"I look forward to the days when you make us all laugh again," Thune said.

Former colleagues of Graham offer personal goodbyes as they walk up to his flag-draped casket

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala, placed both hands on his casket and then placed her hand on her heart. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., saluted from her wheelchair. And Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., gave a fist bump.

Scores of former senators also traveled to the Capitol to pay their respects, including former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who bowed and then briefly kissed the casket.

Others stood briefly before his casket and offered a short prayer and a sign of the cross.

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