An Ohio man, William D. DeFoor, has admitted to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home. This admission was made in federal court on Tuesday. DeFoor was charged with significant damage to the property on January 5, using a hammer to smash multiple windows at the unoccupied home.
DeFoor confessed to acts of physical violence against government property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. His defense attorney highlighted DeFoor’s ongoing mental health struggles, stating that the acts were not politically driven. DeFoor’s criminal history includes cases where he was found mentally incompetent.
“Perpetrators like DeFoor, who put that freedom at risk, particularly through violent, destructive actions, will, like here, be vigorously prosecuted,” stated U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II.
The vandalism event led to DeFoor being jailed for nearly nine months. He was detained after Secret Service agents caught him near Vance’s property. At the time, Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C.
Witnesses detailed DeFoor’s actions, noting that he used a hammer to break into the property’s secure area and targeted an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle. Despite commands from Secret Service agents to cease, DeFoor proceeded to damage the home.
The attack resulted in significant damage to government-owned security equipment. The damage was assessed at more than $28,000.
Following the incident, DeFoor was finally detained by law enforcement after attempting to escape. Authorities continue to emphasize the seriousness of such offenses against public officials and their properties.
DeFoor’s legal history also includes charges for trespassing and vandalism in other locations, linked to his mental health issues. He was previously involved in incidents at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services and a business in Hyde Park.
Court records reveal his mother was granted legal guardianship due to his mental illness diagnosis.
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