WASHINGTON — A man has been arrested after stabbing a Senate staffer in D.C. in a seemingly random attack in broad daylight. According to prison records, the man had been released from prison just 24 hours earlier.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers were called to the 1300 block of H Street in Northeast just after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.
When officers arrived, they found a man who had been stabbed multiple times. The man was taken to an area hospital for help with serious injuries. His current condition is unknown at this time.
A police incident report shows a witness was walking with the victim when someone, who appeared to be hiding behind a corner, "popped out" and began stabbing the man with a knife.
The victim was able to grab the suspect's arms behind and the witness tackled the suspect to the ground. After a short struggle, the witness and victim were able to run away, while the suspect ran in the opposite direction.
Officers claim the witness began shouting that the victim had been stabbed causing a second witness to call for help, after seeing the victim bleeding on the ground.
The two witnesses reportedly tried to help the stabbed man until first responders could arrive.
Police have since identified the suspect as 42-year-old Glynn Neal. He has been arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill (knife).
There is no word on any motive behind the seemingly random attack.
A police report names the victim as Phillip Todd. He appears to be a member of staff for U.S. Senator Rand Paul. The senator released a statement following the stabbing:
“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. 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.”
Neal had been arrested in 2011 for compelling two North Carolina women, including his cousin, into prostitution. He was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Neal was released on March 24, 2023, just a day before the assault.
On Wednesday, Phillip Todd's parents released a statement giving an update on his condition. They say he is expected to make a full recovery despite stab wounds and a fractured skull.
“As the parents of Phillip Todd, we would like to give an update on our son’s condition, which will hopefully answer many of the questions we’ve received. In return, we ask to respect our privacy and the privacy of our extended family so that we can focus on our son's recovery.
“He was randomly and brutally attacked by a person armed with a knife, who, according to the police report, attempted to kill him. The intervention of our son's friend helped prevent the wounds from being fatal.
“Our son is in a stable condition, having undergone trauma surgery to address the wounds in his body. He also has a fracture on his skull, which will be treated with non-invasive neurosurgery. He is expected to make a full recovery due to his young age and good health.
“Our son and our family draw strength from our faith to see us through this challenging time. Phillip is conscious and alert and has repeatedly stated, "the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
“We are impressed with the professionalism of the Washington D.C. police department in capturing the attacker, with the EMS and first responders’ quick response at the scene, and with the staff at the hospital in treating our son's injuries.
“Most of all, we are impressed with the love and support of Phillip's many friends, the Antioch Church, Washington D.C., his current and former colleagues, and even those Phillip doesn't know personally.
“We are thankful for Senator Paul and his Chief of Staff for making a personal visit to encourage Phillip, and Senate Chaplain Reverend Black for praying over Phillip, and everyone who has reached out with prayers and offers to help.
“Our hope is that Washington D.C. continues to be the safe and beautiful city our son loves so much.”