Attempted Break-in at J.D. Vance’s Ohio Home

Cincinnati police arrested a 26-year-old man, William DeFoor, following an attempted break-in at Vice President J.D. Vance’s mansion in Ohio. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Monday when officers and U.S. Secret Service agents responded to reports of breaking glass and found DeFoor trespassing.

DeFoor, reported to have recently lived in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park, allegedly broke four windows and caused damage to a Secret Service vehicle with a hammer before fleeing eastbound. He was subsequently apprehended.

Vance’s residence, located in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood, is an impressive Victorian Gothic mansion purchased in 2018. It spans over 6,000 square feet and sits on nearly two acres overlooking the Ohio River.

In a post on X, Vance expressed gratitude for the public’s support after the incident, stating, “Thank you for your well wishes regarding the attack on our home. A crazed man tried to break in by banging on the windows.” He acknowledged the quick response from law enforcement.

At the time of the break-in, Vance and his family were not home. He had returned to Washington, D.C., after spending a week in Cincinnati.

Vance also made a request to the media, emphasizing the importance of protecting his children from the harsh realities of his public service, which he found to be relevant in light of the images depicting damage to their home.

DeFoor faces several charges, including criminal damage to property, which is a fifth-degree felony, along with three misdemeanors: obstruction of official business, trespassing, and criminal damage or endangerment.

This isn’t DeFoor’s first trouble with the law. In 2023, he faced charges related to trespassing and failure to disclose personal information at a health center but was deemed incompetent to stand trial. Additionally, in 2024, he was charged with criminal damage for breaking a window at a local store, resulting in significant damage. His case was then redirected into specialized mental health proceedings, where he pled guilty and was sentenced to two years of treatment and required to pay restitution, which was still in effect at the time of his latest incident.

The presence of 24/7 security at Vance’s home reflects a growing concern over threats against public officials, particularly following high-profile assassination attempts and targeted violence against political figures.