An Ohio man, William D. DeFoor, pleaded guilty in federal court to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati. The incident occurred on January 5 and involved significant damage caused by DeFoor using a hammer to smash windows.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, DeFoor admitted to acts of physical violence against government property, causing damage valued at tens of thousands of dollars. The prosecutor, U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, emphasized the strict legal response to such violent acts threatening public officials.
DeFoor’s defense attorney stated that the acts were not politically driven and linked them to his mental health issues. Court records highlight DeFoor’s history of criminal cases and mental incompetency findings.
On the night of the vandalism, Secret Service agents saw DeFoor near the property. When he ignored commands and continued using a hammer to damage both the property and an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle, he was eventually detained.
The vandalism severely affected the enhanced security system of the residence, causing government property damage exceeding $28,000.
Authorities quickly responded and arrested DeFoor after he attempted to flee the scene on foot. The arrest followed further property damage, adding to DeFoor’s history of interactions with law enforcement linked to mental health challenges.
Gerace condemned such violence in his statement, reinforcing that government officials should perform their duties without facing threats or violence.
Previously, DeFoor had been involved in various legal issues, including an incident in April 2023 at a psychiatric facility and a vandalism case in Hyde Park, both connected to mental health considerations. The court has since placed DeFoor under his mother’s guardianship due to his mental condition.