Ohio man pleads guilty to vandalizing JD Vance's home

<p>William D. DeFoor, a 26-year-old man from Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance's home in Cincinnati earlier this year, according to officials.</p><p>On January 5, DeFoor reportedly caused significant damage by using a hammer to smash multiple windows at the unoccupied residence, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damages.</p><p>He admitted to committing acts of physical violence against government officials or property, as well as willfully injuring U.S. government property, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.</p><p>DeFoor's defense attorney indicated that the actions were not politically motivated and cited his mental health issues. Court records reveal that DeFoor has a history of criminal cases involving findings of mental incompetency.</p><p>U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II commented on the case, emphasizing that individuals who engage in violent and destructive actions will face vigorous prosecution.</p><p>According to court documents, DeFoor was detained around midnight after Secret Service agents observed him near the front fence of Vance's residence, which was protected at the time. Vance and his family were in Washington, D.C., during the incident.</p><p>DeFoor allegedly breached the property line and targeted an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway entrance, striking the driver's side window three times with the hammer. Despite commands from Secret Service agents to stop and drop the weapon, he continued to vandalize the property.</p><p>He broke several large, historic glass windows at the front of the home, damaging components of an enhanced security system valued at over $28,000, which belonged to the U.S. government.</p><p>DeFoor attempted to flee on foot but was eventually detained by Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police officers.</p><p>Gerace reiterated the seriousness of the situation, stating that violence against U.S. officials and their property is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.</p><p>DeFoor has a documented history of mental health issues in Hamilton County spanning over two years. He was previously charged with trespassing at University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services and was ruled incompetent to stand trial in that case.</p><p>In another incident, he faced charges for vandalism after breaking windows at a Hyde Park business, which was referred to a mental health docket for treatment instead of conviction. Hamilton County Court later granted DeFoor's mother legal guardianship after determining he was incompetent due to mental illness.</p>