Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Home

An Ohio man faced federal court charges after vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence. William D. DeFoor, 26, admitted to causing extensive damage using a hammer on January 5, when the property was unoccupied.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, DeFoor pleaded guilty to physical violence against government officials or property and the willful destruction of U.S. government property. He caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage, especially targeting large glass windows across the front of Vance’s home, which damaged security systems valued over $28,000.

DeFoor’s defense attested to his mental health struggles, stating the attack wasn’t politically motivated. Records show DeFoor has recurrent criminal cases involving mental incompetency, underlining his mental health issues.

Acts of violence against our elected officials or their property have no place in our society. They will be prosecuted vigorously to ensure our leaders can perform their duties without fear or interference. – U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II

DeFoor remained in custody for nine months following his arrest on the night of the incident, which saw Secret Service agents observe him near Vance’s Cincinnati residence’s front fence. The incident took place while JD Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C.

FBI sources disclosed DeFoor demanded to be called “Julia” upon arrest. His arrest record includes trespassing at University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services in April 2023, where he was found incompetent to stand trial. Another vandalism charge occurred the following year, was addressed through a mental health docket, resulting in treatment rather than conviction.

Court records also indicate DeFoor’s mother received legal guardianship, citing his mental illness-related incompetency.