Republican Sen. Rand Paul is recovering from six broken ribs after his neighbor blindsided him outside his Kentucky home on Friday, his senior adviser told the Associated Press.

Doug Stafford said it’s unclear when Paul will be able to return to work in Washington, DC, because he is in considerable pain and has been having trouble getting around.

He also said the broken ribs and three displaced fractures could lead to life-threatening injuries, and the severe pain they cause could last for weeks or months.

Rene Boucher, 59, was arrested Saturday and charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree assault.

Police do not know why Boucher attacked the senator. The two live in the same gated community in Bowling Green, Ky.

Boucher was released from jail Saturday.