An aide for Sen. Rand Paul Thursday called an alleged assault by a neighbor on the Kentucky Republican a "blindside, violent attack," disputing reports that the incident resulted from a longtime disagreement over landscaping.
"As to reports of a longstanding dispute with the attacker, the Pauls have had no conversations with him in many years," Doug Stafford, Paul's senior adviser, said as he referred to the neighbor, Rene Boucher, 59, of Bowling Green.
"The first 'conversation' with the attacker came after Sen. Paul's ribs were broken," Stafford said in a statement.
"This was not a fight, it was a blindside, violent attack by a disturbed person," he added. "Anyone claiming otherwise is simply uninformed or seeking media attention."
Boucher pleaded not guilty Thursday to fourth-degree assault for allegedly attacking the senator outside his home Friday afternoon.
He faces a maximum penalty of a year in jail if convicted. Boucher is scheduled for a Nov. 30 pre-trial hearing.
Paul suffered six broken ribs in the incident.
"Last week, Sen. Paul was vigorously assaulted by someone in his neighborhood," Stafford said. "This is a serious criminal matter involving serious injury."
The senator tweeted Wednesday that he sustained six broken ribs had and fluid buildup around his lungs. It was not known when he will return to the Senate.
The New York Times reported Monday that the argument began over landscaping, but the senator's later tweeted Wednesday two reports questioning the article.
Boucher's lawyer said Monday that the attack was "a very regrettable dispute" that was "trivial."
Paul and Boucher have been neighbors for 17 years in a gated community in Bowling Green.
A Paul friend told The Associated Press that the senator was tackled from behind and slammed to the ground Friday.
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