A Kentucky man accused of attacking U.S. Republican Senator Rand Paul has been charged with assaulting a member of Congress, but has told investigators his actions were not politically motivated.
Officials say Rene Boucher plans to plead guilty to the assault as part of a federal plea agreement.
Boucher's attorney says the attack stemmed from a dispute about yard maintenance. He said Boucher became angered by branches and yard clutter that were on the property line and “had enough” after seeing Paul stack more brush on the pile.
Paul was wearing headphones while mowing his yard in Bowling Green, Kentucky, when Boucher ran into his yard in November and tackled him. The assault left Rand with six broken ribs and briefly sidelined him during the Senate debate over tax reform. Assaulting a member of Congress and causing injury is a federal felony.