Officials announced that William D. DeFoor, age 26, pleaded guilty in federal court to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home earlier this year. On January 5, DeFoor caused substantial damage using a hammer to smash multiple windows at the unoccupied residence.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, DeFoor admitted to committing acts of physical violence against government officials or property. This included willful injury or depredation of U.S. government property.
His defense attorney stated that the assaults were not politically motivated, attributing DeFoor’s actions to mental health issues. Court records indicate a history of criminal cases involving findings of mental incompetency.
William D. DeFoor remained jailed for nearly nine months following the incident at Vice President JD Vance’s home.
(WXIX; Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. Attorney, emphasized the commitment to prosecuting such violent actions, noting the importance of protecting freedom from destructive acts.
Secret Service agents detained DeFoor around midnight after spotting him near Vance’s residence. Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C., at the time.
Using a hammer, DeFoor breached the property line, targeting an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway. He struck the driver’s-side window three times. As agents responded, DeFoor ignored commands to stop.
He proceeded to break large, historic glass windows, damaging the enhanced security system valued at over $28,000. This equipment was owned by the U.S. government.
DeFoor was later apprehended after attempting to flee. Cincinnati police officers assisted Secret Service agents in his detention.
Gerace condemned the violence, asserting that acts against political leaders or their property have no place in society.
According to records, DeFoor has a history of mental health issues spanning over two years in Hamilton County. Previously, he demanded to be called “Julia” upon arrest.
In April 2023, DeFoor faced trespassing charges at University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services for refusing to leave. The case was dismissed after he was deemed incompetent to stand trial.
The following year, DeFoor received vandalism charges after breaking windows at a Hyde Park business. This case was referred to a mental health docket, resulting in an ordered treatment instead of conviction.
DeFoor’s mother was granted legal guardianship by the Hamilton County Court due to his incompetency by reason of mental illness.
Vice President JD Vance and his family were not present during the incident at their Cincinnati residence.