An Ohio man has admitted to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home. William D. DeFoor, aged 26, pleaded guilty in federal court, acknowledging serious charges against him.
Earlier this year, DeFoor caused significant damage to Vance’s residence. On January 5, using a hammer, he smashed multiple windows at the home, which was unoccupied at the time. The damage reportedly amounted to tens of thousands of dollars.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio confirmed DeFoor’s admission of guilt. He confessed to making violent attacks against government officials or property, along with the deliberate damage to U.S. government property.
DeFoor’s defense attorney earlier explained that the actions were not politically driven. He noted DeFoor’s ongoing battle with mental health problems, supported by court records indicating DeFoor’s past findings of mental incompetency.
William D. DeFoor has a history of criminal cases involving mental incompetency, according to court records.
DeFoor was held in jail for nearly nine months following the vandalism incident. As stated by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, individuals who threaten freedom through violent and destructive actions like these will face strict prosecution.
Court documents reveal DeFoor’s arrest around midnight. Secret Service agents found him near the front fence of Vance’s protected residence. At the time, Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C.
Using the hammer, DeFoor crossed the property line and targeted an unmarked federal vehicle blocking the driveway. Prosecutors stated that he struck the driver’s-side window multiple times. Secret Service agents tried to stop him, but he ignored their commands.
DeFoor then used the hammer to break several large historic glass windows at the front of the property. These windows housed components of a security system, valued over $28,000, belonging to the U.S. government.
Vandalism at Vice President JD Vance’s residence included damage to a security system worth over $28,000.
Eventually, Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police officers detained DeFoor as he attempted to flee.
U.S. Attorney Gerace condemned the violence further, stating that any assaults on U.S. officials, their families, or property, are unacceptable and will be prosecuted. He emphasized that political leaders must carry out duties free from any threats or acts of violence.
DeFoor’s history of mental health issues spans over two years in Hamilton County. FBI sources stated that upon arrest, DeFoor insisted on being called “Julia.”
In April 2023, he was charged with trespassing at a psychiatric emergency service after refusing to leave. The court deemed him incompetent to stand trial, thus leading to case dismissal.
The following year, DeFoor faced two vandalism charges for breaking windows at a Hyde Park business. The case led to treatment orders instead of a conviction due to mental health considerations.
A legal guardianship application for DeFoor by his mother was approved by Hamilton County Court, citing incompetency due to mental illness.