US Senator Rand Paul's ribs broken in assault at home
It has emerged that US senator Rand Paul suffered serious injuries during an assault at his Kentucky home.
He is said to be recovering from five broken ribs and bruises to his lungs. A spokesman said the Republican senator is in "considerable" pain.
Initial reports had suggested that Mr Paul's injuries were only minor.
He was assaulted at his gated community home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on Friday, allegedly by a neighbour who has since been charged with assault.
"Senator Paul has five rib fractures including three displaced fractures," Doug Stafford, a senior adviser to Mr Paul, said in a statement reported by US media.
"This type of injury is caused by high velocity severe force.
"It is not clear exactly how soon he will return to work, as the pain is considerable as is the difficulty in getting around, including flying."
On Sunday, the senator tweeted that his wife "Kelley and I appreciate the overwhelming support after Friday's unfortunate event. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers."
The Republican "was blindsided and the victim of an assault" on Friday, a spokeswoman for him was quoted by US media as saying.
Rene Boucher, 59, has been charged with fourth-degree assault, police say.
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Mr Paul, seen as representing the Libertarian wing of the Republicans, ran for the party's presidential nomination in the 2016 election, but dropped out after a fifth place finish in the Iowa caucuses.
An ophthalmologist, he represents Kentucky in the US Senate and is the son of former Congressman Ron Paul, who ran for president several times.
