Federal Charges Filed After Hammer Attack on Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati House

CINCINNATI — A 26-year-old man accused of vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence is now facing multiple federal charges, as new court documents detail an overnight confrontation with U.S. Secret Service agents that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Federal prosecutors identified the suspect as William D. DeFoor, who was charged by criminal complaint with damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against property in a restricted area, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers.

According to a sworn affidavit filed Monday afternoon, U.S. Secret Service agents observed DeFoor shortly after midnight running along the front fence of the vice president’s protected residence. Authorities say he breached the driveway perimeter and attempted to shatter the driver’s side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle using a hammer.

Charging documents state DeFoor ignored repeated commands to stop and drop the weapon. Investigators allege he then struck multiple exterior windows of the residence, damaging reinforced security glass and federally owned protective assets valued at more than $28,000.

After attempting to flee on foot, DeFoor was detained by Secret Service agents with assistance from Cincinnati police officers.

No one was inside the residence at the time of the incident, and officials confirmed that Vice President Vance and his family were not in Ohio when the damage occurred.

Federal Penalties and Charges

Federal authorities say causing more than $1,000 in damage to U.S. government property and engaging in violence within restricted grounds each carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The charge of assaulting or impeding federal officers carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years.

The charges were announced by Dominick S. Gerace II, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, alongside Secret Service and Cincinnati Police leadership. Prosecutors emphasized that a criminal complaint contains allegations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Prior Arrests and Mental Competency History

Federal and local records show DeFoor has a documented history of encounters with law enforcement involving mental competency concerns. During his arrest, federal sources say DeFoor demanded that officers refer to him as “Julia.”

Court records indicate DeFoor was previously charged in 2023 with trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services. That case was later dismissed after he was ruled incompetent to stand trial.

In 2024, DeFoor faced two vandalism charges related to broken windows at a Hyde Park business. The case was referred to a mental health docket, and treatment was ordered in lieu of conviction. In October 2024, a Hamilton County court approved legal guardianship for DeFoor’s mother, citing incompetency due to mental illness.

Vice President Responds

Vice President Vance addressed the incident later Monday on X, thanking law enforcement and urging restraint in coverage involving his family.

JD Vance wrote:

“I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I'm grateful to the Secret Service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. We weren't even home as we had returned already to DC.

One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows.”

Timeline: Alleged Attack on VP Vance’s Cincinnati Home

Late Night / Early Morning: Secret Service agents observe a suspect running along the perimeter of the protected residence.
Moments Later: Suspect allegedly breaches the driveway and attempts to break a federal vehicle window with a hammer.
Escalation: Authorities say multiple residence windows and security assets are damaged.
Arrest: Suspect attempts to flee and is detained by Secret Service and Cincinnati police.
Monday Afternoon: Federal criminal complaint is filed in U.S. District Court.
Ongoing: DeFoor remains in custody as federal proceedings continue.

Reporting provided by VaruHub.com