It was reported by several outlets on Monday morning that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was assaulted by a neighbor who broke five of his ribs on Friday afternoon. But, apparently, as The Hill reports, this drama has nothing to do with politics.
Rene Boucher, Paul's neighbor and a physician who reportedly worked with Paul when he was still practicing medicine, allegedly tackled Paul from behind, forced him to the ground and injured him in a dispute on Paul's property.
Matthew Baker, Boucher's attorney, said in a statement that "The unfortunate occurrence of November 3rd has absolutely nothing to do with either’s politics or political agendas. It was a very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial. We sincerely hope that Senator Paul is doing well and that these two gentlemen can get back to being neighbors as quickly as possible.”
Got my hands on the arrest warrant in the Rand Paul case pic.twitter.com/XNaQiReyaR
— Sam Stein (@samstein) November 6, 2017
Boucher was charged with fourth-degree assault (a misdemeanor) but, as The Washington Postreports, could see more severe charges depending on Paul's injuries. It's also still up in the air as capitol police and the FBI investigate the federal crime of assaulting a member of congress.
Senior advisors to Paul told CNN on Monday that the Senator's injuries also included "displaced rib fractures," which they noted can lead to more potentially life-threatening conditions including "hemopneumothorax, pneumothorax, pneumonia, internal bleeding, laceration of internal organs and lung contusions,"
Paul also tweeted thanks on Sunday to those who reached out and offered thoughts and prayers for his health.