Man Accused of “Brutally” Stabbing Sen. Paul’s Staffer Was Released From Prison Day Before

The suspect in the stabbing Saturday of a Senate staffer in broad daylight in Northeast Washington was released from prison a scant 24 hours earlier.

Authorities had sentenced the suspect, 42-year-old Glynn Neal, to 12 years and four months in prison in 2011 for “compelling two North Carolina women to engage in prostitution through the use of threats,” according to a Justice Department report. That report describes how Neal was convicted on charges of pandering, procuring, and compelling a person to live a life of prostitution against her will.

Neal was released from prison on Friday, WTTG-TV reported, after spending almost 12 years behind bars.

Shortly after his release, Neal stood accused of stabbing a man identified by WRC-TV as Phillip Todd, a staffer for Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. The stabbing took place near the 1300 block of H Street Northeast, about a seven- minute drive from Union Station and Capitol Hill.

The Metropolitan Police Department said in a release that the stabbing victim, Todd, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of “life-threatening injuries” after police were dispatched to the 1300 block of H Street Northeast for the report of a stabbing around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday night.

Neal has been charged with assault with intent to kill with a knife. A motive for the attack is not known.

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

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

The D.C. mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mayor Muriel Bowser has increasingly received criticism from those concerned about rising crime in the nation’s capital.

As of March 28, 2023, there have been 51 recorded homicides, 41 instances of sex abuse, 305 assaults with a dangerous weapon, 584 robberies, 226 burglaries, and 1,616 motor vehicle thefts in the city.

Compared with last year, homicides have risen 19%, sex abuse has increased 105%, and motor vehicle theft has risen 108%.