Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Home

An Ohio man has admitted to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati earlier this year. William D. DeFoor, aged 26, pleaded guilty in federal court, acknowledging the damage he caused in January valued at tens of thousands of dollars.

On January 5, DeFoor used a hammer to shatter several windows at Vance’s unoccupied residence. He confessed to acts targeting government officials or property and destroying U.S. government assets, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

His defense stated the actions were not politically driven but noted DeFoor’s mental health challenges. Court records highlight his history of criminal cases with findings of mental incompetency.

“Perpetrators like DeFoor, who undermine our freedom through violent actions, will face vigorous prosecution,” stated U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II.

Secret Service agents detained DeFoor around midnight after spotting him near the perimeter of Vance’s residence. At the time, Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C.

Prosecutors stated DeFoor crossed the property line and attacked an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle in the driveway, striking its window with a hammer. Disregarding commands from agents to halt, he proceeded to smash large glass windows at the home, damaging U.S. government security equipment valued at more than $28,000.

After attempting to flee, DeFoor was apprehended by Secret Service and local police officers. Gerace condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for government officials to perform their duties free from threats and vandalism.

DeFoor’s court records reveal a history of mental health issues over more than two years. FBI sources shared that upon arrest, DeFoor requested to be referred to as “Julia.” Past charges include trespassing at University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services; a case dismissed due to his incompetency. Another case involved vandalism of windows at a Hyde Park business, leading to treatment orders.

The Hamilton County Court eventually granted DeFoor’s mother legal guardianship after finding him incompetent due to mental illness.