Several neighbors of Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) have dismissed the theory that next-door neighbor Rene Boucher broke six of the senator's ribs over a landscaping dispute.
Boucher’s lawyer declared the attack was over a "trivial" matter rather than something political, and various media outlets reported that Paul’s landscaping negligence was a factor in Boucher’s attack. But seven neighbors in the community told the Washington Examiner that Paul and his family are tidy landscapers, meaning that Boucher likely had another motive.
"The stories of a ‘landscaping dispute’ or a dispute of any sort between Rand Paul and Rene Boucher are erroneous and unfounded," neighbor Travis Creed said. "The reason for Mr. Boucher’s bizarre attack is known only to him. Statements to the contrary are irresponsible and unnecessary."
The Examiner also reports that Boucher shared content on social media attacking the Republican Party and calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. He shared memes from a page called "Impeach Trump, Impeach Pence, Keep Impeaching" and expressed hope that special counsel Robert Mueller would "fry Trump’s gonads."
Previously, the Washington Post reported that Jim Bullington, a former member of the city commission, knows both men and described Boucher as a "socialist." Paul was also on the same baseball field in June when another Republican congressman, Steve Scalise (R., La.), survived an assassination attempt by a leftist who was killed by police.
Paul’s neighbors also expressed shock that a neighbor as considerate as Paul would be blindsided.
"This episode is so wrong on so many levels, to be absolutely blindsided and attacked while mowing one’s lawn. I can’t imagine being in my yard pulling weeds or mowing and being totally attacked by anyone, much less my neighbor? It’s hard to believe he was out of jail the next morning on a $7,500 bail," one said.
Neighbor Alicia Stivers said Paul’s friendliness makes it "shocking that a next-door neighbor of many years who has not so much as exchanged an email or spoken word with Rand in several years, would race downhill and pummel Rand from behind."
These neighbors’ accounts contradict reports in the New York Times and elsewhere that Paul did not properly maintain his lawn.
Former leader of the county Republican Party Jim Skaggs told the Times that Paul "certainly believes in stronger property rights than exist in America." The Times said the libertarian-leaning Republican "has shown little interest for neighborhood regulations."
Paul himself tweeted the Examiner's story without comment Wednesday.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 8, 2017
He also clarified his current medical situation.
I appreciate all of the support from everyone. A medical update: final report indicates six broken ribs & new X-ray shows a pleural effusion
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) November 8, 2017