Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Vice President’s Home
An Ohio man pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to charges related to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati earlier this year, as reported by officials.
William D. DeFoor, 26, was said to have caused extensive damage—tens of thousands of dollars worth—when he smashed several windows using a hammer on January 5. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio noted that he admitted to physically assaulting government property as well as intentionally damaging U.S. government property.
His defense attorney claimed that the actions were not politically motivated, citing DeFoor’s mental health struggles. Public records indicate he has a history of criminal issues linked to findings of mental incompetency.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II emphasized the importance of addressing such violent acts, stating, “Perpetrators like DeFoor, who put that freedom at risk, particularly through violent, destructive actions, will, like here, be vigorously prosecuted.”
Court documents reveal that DeFoor was detained around midnight after Secret Service agents saw him near the front fence of the protected residence while Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C. at the time.
Reports say that DeFoor crossed the property line at the driveway and targeted an unmarked federal vehicle blocking the entrance, striking the driver’s side window three times with the hammer.
Despite commands from Secret Service agents to stop and drop the weapon, he continued his assault, breaking large historic glass windows on the home. The damage included components of an enhanced security system valued at over $28,000.
After attempting to flee on foot, DeFoor was eventually taken into custody by Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police. Gerace again condemned these violent acts, declaring that assaults against U.S. officials and their property would not be tolerated.
Further investigations revealed that DeFoor has a history of mental health issues extending over two years in Hamilton County. When he was arrested, he reportedly requested to be called “Julia.”
Back in April 2023, he faced charges for trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services and was deemed incompetent to stand trial, resulting in the case being dismissed. In the following year, he faced two counts of vandalism for breaking windows at a local business, which was assigned to a mental health docket with treatment mandated instead of a conviction.
Though the situation is tragic, it underscores ongoing challenges related to mental health and public safety. With mental health issues complicating legal matters, there seems to be a pressing need for proper support and intervention.
