Ex-campaign volunteer charged with obstruction

Kyle Wood recanted political attack story

MADISON, Wis. — A former volunteer for a Republican congressional campaign who had claimed to be the victim of a politically motivated assault has been charged with obstruction.

In late October, Kyle Wood, 29, reported to Madison police that he was attacked in his home. Wood claimed the attack was politically motivated. He told police his face was smashed into a mirror and he was choked during the attack.

Wood said the attack was retaliation because he was an openly gay Republican volunteering for Republican Chad Lee’s campaign in the 2nd District.

Wood claimed the attacker called him a “political traitor.”

According to court documents obtained by WISC-TV, five days after the alleged attack while police were questioning inconsistencies in his story, Wood told police, “You’re right — I did it to myself.”

For one of his injuries, to his eye and forehead, Wood told police he used a rock from an aquarium, one that looked most like a fist, placed it in a sock and struck himself with it, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint said Wood told police he hit his own head against a mirror, causing injuries to his forehead and eye.

The complaint also said Wood used a guitar string to create marks around his neck.

Wood could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

It’s unclear when he’s due in court for the charge, which is a misdemeanor.

The charge carries a penalty of nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

Ex-campaign volunteer charged with obstruction