Attack from behind left Paul with broken ribs, officials say

FRANKFORT, Ky. — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul was recovering Sunday from five broken ribs after he was assaulted by a neighbor who tackled him from behind at the senator’s Kentucky home, officials said.

Senior Adviser Doug Stafford said it is unclear when the Republican will return to work because he is in considerable pain and has difficulty getting around, including flying. Stafford said this type of injury is marked by severe pain that can last for weeks.

“This type of injury is caused by high-velocity severe force,” Stafford said in an email.

The Bowling Green Daily News reported that an arrest warrant said Paul told police his neighbor came on his property and tackled him from behind Friday, forcing him to the ground. He had trouble breathing because of a rib injury, the warrant said.

Police arrested 59-year-old Rene Boucher on Saturday and charged him with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault with a minor injury. Boucher lives next door to Paul and his wife, according to Warren County property records.

Boucher was released from jail Saturday on a $7,500 bond. He has a court date scheduled for Thursday. Boucher did not return a phone call seeking comment. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

A spokeswoman for Paul said he was “blindsided” by the attack. Police have not said what motivated the attack. Kentucky State Police Master Trooper Jeremy Hodges said the FBI was checking to see if the attack was politically motivated.