US Senator Paul says he suffered six broken ribs in attack
WASHINGTON, Nov 9:  The injuries to US Senator Rand Paul during an assault by a neighbour are worse than earlier reported, with the Kentucky Republican saying he suffered six broken ribs and has fluid in his lungs.
“I appreciate all of the support from everyone,” Paul posted on Twitter about last Friday’s violent altercation.
“A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion.”
The injuries raise the prospect that Paul, who is recuperating in Kentucky, may be kept from Washington at a time when fellow Senate Republicans are eager to push a major tax overhaul through Congress.
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Tuesday that he expected Paul back in Washington as early as next week.
On Sunday Paul called the fracas an “unfortunate event,” and his spokesperson earlier had said the senator was “fine.”
Kentucky State Police said they arrived at Paul’s home in Warren County on Friday afternoon in response to a report of an assault and arrested 59-year-old Rene Boucher.
The suspect’s attorney Matt Baker issued a statement to WKU Public Radio saying the dispute was “trivial” and in no way politically motivated.
The New York Times, citing neighbors and Republican lawmakers familiar with the incident, reported that the assault stemmed from a landscaping dispute.
Paul had dismounted from a riding lawn mower when Boucher, a retired anesthesiologist who lives next door, ran up and tackled him, the newspaper said.
The senator was wearing sound-muting earmuffs and did not realize Boucher was approaching, the newspaper said, citing a Kentucky Republican and a friend.
Paul, 54, ran an unsuccessful bid last year to be the Republican presidential nominee. (AGENCIES)

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