FIVE THINGS ABOUT SENATOR ATTACK

1 PAUL ATTACKED

Rand Paul, a former Republican presidential candidate, was attacked by his neighbour outside his home in Bowling Green, Ky., Friday, police said. The 54-year-old senator has five rib fractures, including three that were partly or completely cracked, lung contusions, and cuts to his nose and mouth.

2 NEIGHBOUR ADMITS TACKLING HIM

Rene Boucher, 59, admitted to “going onto Paul’s property and tackling him,” the police report said. No motive was given. They have been neighbours for 17 years and have worked together: Paul is an ophthalmologist and Boucher is a retired anesthesiologist. He is also a registered Democrat. Boucher’s attorney said the dispute was not over politics but a “matter that most people would regard as trivial.”

3 CONFLICTING VIEWS

Mac Douglas, who lives about 100 yards from Paul, said Paul and Boucher were courteous neighbours. Douglas described the neighbourhood as calm and secluded, where residents did not regularly interact. Another neighbour said Paul and Boucher had “ongoing problems.” Paul was mowing his lawn at the time of the altercation, the neighbour said.

4 BOUCHER CHARGED

Boucher was charged with fourth-degree assault and released Saturday on $7,500 bond. He was also ordered to have no contact with Rand or his family. Police said charges could be upgraded because the injuries are more serious than first reported. Paul’s recovery could take months.

5 CAUCUS CHALLENGE

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Paul’s absence creates another challenge in what he called a daily “Maalox moment” prompted by the struggles to hold together his 52-member caucus.