The attorney representing the man who was charged with assaulting Sen. Rand Paul said Monday that attacking the Kentucky Republican had “absolutely nothing” to do with politics.
“The unfortunate occurrence of November 3 has absolutely nothing to do with either’s politics or political agendas,” a statement by attorney Matthew Baker said. “It was a very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.”
Baker is representing Paul’s neighbor, Rene Boucher, who was charged with attacking Paul. In the statement, Baker also noted the two worked together when they “were both practicing physicians.”
A neighbor who did not want to be identified said the two have been “quibbling” over yard waste for years.
According to the neighbor, Paul and Boucher, who share a property line in a gated community, have a long-running dispute over grass clippings and leaves blown onto each others’ lawns.
The neighbor did not witness Boucher allegedly assaulting Paul on Friday, and therefore could not say definitely if this is what led to the attack.
Paul sustained five rib fractures, including three displaced fractures and bruised lungs after a neighbor allegedly assaulted him while at his home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a senior adviser told CNN on Sunday.
“We sincerely hope that Senator Paul is doing well and that these two gentlemen can get back to being neighbors as quickly as possible,” Baker’s statement Monday said.
A spokesman for the Kentucky State Police agreed with Baker’s statement that portrayed the incident as being a “dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.”
Paul also spoke out Sunday about the incident: “?Kelley and I appreciate the overwhelming support after Friday’s unfortunate event,” Paul wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
According to the Bowling Green Daily News, Boucher is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist.
CNN previously reported that Boucher was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault. He is currently out of jail after posting $7,500 bail.
This story has been updated and will continue to update with additional details.
