Sen. Rand Paul staff member 'brutally stabbed' in downtown D.C.

A staffer for the office of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul was “brutally” stabbed in Northeast Washington, D.C. Saturday afternoon, according to a statement released by the senator’s office. 

Officers responded to a report of a stabbing just before 5:30 p.m. on Saturday on the 1300 block of H Street, less than 1.5 miles away from the U.S. Capitol.

The victim, who has not yet been identified, was found with multiple stab wounds to his head and torso. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening wounds.

“[The witness] stated that he and [the victim] were walking eastbound on the 1300 block of H Street when [Neal], who was hiding in a corner, popped out of the corner and proceeded to stab [the victim] with a knife multiple times,” police said in an incident report.

The suspect, identified as Glynn Neal, 42, was arrested and charged with assault with the intent to kill. Neal had been released from prison a day before the stabbing after 12 years behind bars, according to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 

Charging documents show that Neal told police officers that he had heard “voices” telling him to do it. There is no indication that he knew the victim. 

"This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington, D.C. I ask you to join Kelley and me in praying for a speedy and complete recovery, and thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their diligent actions," Sen. Paul said in a statement. 

"We are relieved to hear the suspect has been arrested. At this time we would ask for privacy, so everyone can focus on healing and recovery,” it continues.