Aide to Sen. Rand Paul Critically Wounded in Washington, DC Stabbing

Facts

• An aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) suffered life-threatening injuries after he was stabbed in Washington, DC this weekend.¹
• "This past weekend a member of my staff was brutally attacked in broad daylight in Washington DC," Paul said in a statement on Monday. He went on to ask for prayers while thanking the first responders, hospital staff, and police for their "diligent actions."¹
• Though Paul's office did not identify the victim, media reports revealed he was 26-year-old Phillip Todd.²
• According to a police affidavit, Todd was stabbed on the left side of his head and the knife "penetrated the skull and likely caused an internal brain bleed." He also suffered a stab wound to the left of his torso that punctured his lung, the affidavit said.³
• Saturday's attack took place as Todd and a friend walked on Washington, DC's H Street — less than two miles from the US Capitol. Todd indicated to police that the attack was random, with the suspect not saying anything before attacking him. Todd's friend was able to push the suspect off him as the attack took place, allowing both men to get away.³
• Local police arrested Glynn Neal, 42, in connection with the incident. He was charged with assault with intent to kill, according to a statement; federal records showed he was released from prison the day before the attack.⁴

Sources: ¹Guardian, ²NBC, ³CBS, and ⁴USA Today.

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by Guardian. This horrific attack is likely to raise fears about violence in the nation’s capital. However, the suspect reportedly told police officers he had a voice in his head that spurred him on. This appears to be an isolated incident.
• Right narrative, as provided by PJ Media. Like other Democrat-led cities, Washington DC is becoming more and more unsafe because of Democrats' laissez-fair approach to crime. There needs to be a rethink to policing, with tougher sentences for those that carry out criminal activity.