Nov. 6 (UPI) — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is recovering at his Kentucky home with five broken ribs he received in what’s described as an attack by his neighbor, his office said.
The neighbor was arrested after the incident Friday in Bowling Green, Ky., officials said. Paul’s office said Saturday the 54-year-old senator was “doing fine” after a minor injury.
Doug Stafford, a senior adviser, said in a statement Sunday night that the broken ribs include three displaced fractures.
“Displaced rib fractures can lead to life-threatening injuries such as: hemopneumothorax, pneumothorax, pneumonia, internal bleeding, laceration of internal organs and lung contusions,” Stafford said.
Stafford said severe pain can last for weeks or even months with such injuries.
“This type of injury is caused by high velocity severe force,” Stafford said. “It is not clear exactly how soon he will return to work, as the pain is considerable, as is the difficulty in getting around, including flying.
On Sunday, Paul posted on Twittter that he and his wife Kelley “appreciate the overwhelming support after Friday’s unfortunate event. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers”.
Rene Boucher, 59, was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault in the incident, the Kentucky State Police said. He was released from jail after posting $7,500 bail Saturday night.
The charge is a misdemeanor, but Kentucky State Police spokesman Jeremy Hodges told Fox News “it is up to commonwealth prosecutors” whether Boucher’s charges could change to a felony, depending on the severity of Paul’s injuries.
Capitol Police and the FBI are also investigating the incident. Assaulting a member of Congress is a federal crime that can result in felony charges.
In the arrest warrant, Paul said he was mowing his lawn when “his neighbor came onto his property and tackled him from behind.”
He also said he had difficulty breathing.
WNKY-TV reported that the FBI is investigating to see if the attack was politically motivated.
Matthew J. Baker, an attorney for the defendant, said that the incident had “absolutely nothing to do” with politics. He said they have been neighbors for 17 years, were “prominent members of the local medical community and worked together when they were both practicing physicians.”
