Ohio man accused of vandalizing JD Vance’s home pleads guilty

An Ohio man accused of vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home has pleaded guilty in federal court, authorities announced Tuesday. William D. DeFoor, 26, admitted to damaging property belonging to the U.S. government and committing acts of physical violence against government officials. The plea came after DeFoor spent nearly nine months in jail following the alleged crime. DeFoor allegedly caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage on January 5 when he used a hammer to shatter multiple windows at Vance’s unoccupied home. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, DeFoor targeted the property during a time when Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C. The attack occurred after Secret Service agents observed him near the front fence of the protected residence. DeFoor reportedly breached the property line at the driveway and attacked an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the entrance. He struck the driver’s-side window three times before turning his attention to the home itself. Using the same hammer, DeFoor broke large, historic glass windows across the front of the house. Prosecutors stated that the damage included components of an enhanced security system owned by the U.S. government, which had a value exceeding $28,000. As Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police arrived, DeFoor ignored commands to stop and drop the weapon. He attempted to flee on foot but was eventually apprehended. Court records reveal that DeFoor has a documented history of mental health issues in Hamilton County over the past two years. In April 2023, he was charged with trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services after refusing to leave the premises. At that time, he was found incompetent to stand trial, and the case was later dismissed. The following year, DeFoor faced two counts of vandalism after breaking windows at a Hyde Park business. That case was referred to a mental health docket, with treatment ordered instead of conviction. DeFoor’s defense attorney previously denied that the attacks were politically motivated, stating they were not intended to target government officials. Instead, the lawyer emphasized DeFoor’s mental health struggles. During his arrest, DeFoor reportedly demanded to be called “Julia,” a detail noted by FBI sources. This behavior, along with his criminal history, has raised questions about his mental state and potential intent behind the vandalism. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II issued a statement condemning the act, emphasizing that such violence against public figures would not be tolerated. “Acts of violence directed against our political leaders, their families, or property, have no place in our society and will not be tolerated,” Gerace said. He added that elected leaders must be able to perform their duties without facing threats or disruptions. The case highlights ongoing concerns about security at high-profile residences and the challenges of addressing incidents involving individuals with complex legal and mental health histories. With DeFoor having already served nearly nine months in custody, the plea agreement marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process. His sentencing is pending, and further details about the terms of his plea remain undisclosed.