US senator suffers 5 broken ribs after assault
KENTUCKY (Reuters)— US Sen. Rand Paul’s return to Washington may be delayed after he suffered five broken ribs during an assault at his Kentucky home, media reported on Sunday, citing a senior adviser to the Republican lawmaker.
Paul’s neighbor Rene Boucher has been charged with one count of fourthdegree assault causing minor injury in connection with the incident on Friday, according to authorities. Boucher, 59, was released on bond.
“Sen. Paul has five rib fractures, including three displaced fractures. This type of injury is caused by high velocity severe force,” Doug Stafford, a senior adviser to Paul, said in a statement, according to multiple media reports.
“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,” the reports quoted Stafford as saying.
Paul, 54, also has lung con- tusions, according to the reports.
The Bowling Green Daily News, citing an arrest warrant, said Paul told police his neighbor came on to his property in a gated community just east of Bowling Green and tackled him from behind. Paul had injuries to the face and trouble breathing because of a rib injury, the newspaper said.
It was not clear what motivated the altercation and Paul did not go to the hospital, police said.