A Kentucky man who allegedly tackled his neighbor, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, in a dispute over their adjacent yards has been charged with assaulting a member of Congress resulting in personal injury, a felony under federal law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the charge brought against Bowling Green, Ky., resident Rene A. Boucher.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday.
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Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
The 59-year old Boucher has agreed to plead guilty to the federal charge.
The attack, in November, left Paul with six broken ribs and forced him to temporarily sit out the debate in Washington over the Trump administration’s tax bill.
Rene Boucher after his arrest in 2017.
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Rene Boucher after his arrest in 2017.
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The incident between the two neighbors, both successful doctors, in an upscale gated community drew national attention.
According to the statement issued by U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler:
“On November 3, 2017, the victim was mowing his yard while wearing headphones. Boucher allegedly witnessed the victim stack brush onto a pile near the victim’s property and “had enough.” Boucher ran onto the victim’s property and tackled the victim. As a result of this assault, the victim suffered multiple fractured ribs and subsequently contracted and required medical attention for pneumonia. Boucher admitted the assault but denied it was politically motivated.”
Boucher faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley P. Shepherd.