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An Ohio man has pleaded guilty in federal court to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence earlier this year, according to officials.
William D. DeFoor, 26, admitted to causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage on January 5 by smashing multiple windows at Vance’s unoccupied home with a hammer.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio confirmed that DeFoor pleaded guilty to charges including acts of physical violence against government officials or property and willful injury to U.S. government property.
DeFoor’s defense attorney previously stated that the vandalism was not politically motivated and highlighted DeFoor’s ongoing mental health struggles. Court records reveal a history of mental incompetency in multiple past cases involving DeFoor.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Perpetrators like DeFoor, who put that freedom at risk, particularly through violent, destructive actions, will, like here, be vigorously prosecuted.”
According to court documents, Secret Service agents detained DeFoor around midnight after spotting him near the front fence of the protected residence. At the time, Vice President Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C.
DeFoor reportedly entered the property while wielding a hammer and struck an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway, breaking its driver’s side window. When agents arrived and ordered him to stop and drop the weapon, he ignored commands and proceeded to break large historic glass windows across the front of the home. The attack damaged an enhanced security system installed on each window, valued at over $28,000 and owned by the U.S. government.
DeFoor attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by Secret Service and Cincinnati police officers.
Gerace condemned the violent act, stating, “Acts of violence directed against our political leaders, their families or property, have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our elected leaders must be able to carry out their duties free from threats, vandalism, and other forms of violence.”
The court documents also detail DeFoor’s extensive history of mental health issues in Hamilton County spanning more than two years. Upon his arrest, FBI sources noted that DeFoor demanded to be called “Julia.”
In April 2023, DeFoor faced charges for trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services after refusing to leave. He was ruled incompetent to stand trial, and the case was dismissed. The following year, he was charged with vandalism after breaking windows at a Hyde Park business; that case was referred to a mental health docket, with treatment ordered instead of conviction.
Hamilton County Court later granted legal guardianship of DeFoor to his mother after deeming him incompetent due to mental illness.