William D. DeFoor Pleads Guilty in $28,000 Vandalism of JD Vance Home

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2

William D. DeFoor, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to damaging Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence and U.S. government property during a Jan. 5 attack.
Prosecutors said DeFoor used a hammer to smash an unmarked federal law-enforcement vehicle’s window and large historic windows at the home, damaging security equipment valued at more than $28,000 and causing tens of thousands in losses.
Secret Service agents spotted him near the protected residence around midnight, said he ignored orders to stop, and detained him with Cincinnati police after he tried to flee on foot; Vance and his family were in Washington at the time.
DeFoor’s lawyer previously said the attack was not politically motivated and cited mental health issues; court records show prior incompetency findings and earlier trespassing and vandalism cases tied to mental-health proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace said assaults on political leaders, their families or property will be vigorously prosecuted, underscoring the broader security stakes around attacks on elected officials.