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A man is in custody today after reportedly breaking windows at the residence of Vice President JD Vance in Cincinnati.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, triggered a swift response from the U.S. Secret Service and the Cincinnati Police Department.
Law enforcement sources confirmed a man was taken into custody after breaking windows and damaging property at the Vice President’s Cincinnati home, according to the U.S. Secret Service and multiple news outlets, according to the Associated Press.
The incident at Vance’s home prompted a multi-agency response shortly after midnight Monday. Security personnel at the residence in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood heard a disturbance and discovered the suspect near the property, authorities said.
Police and federal agents worked together for several hours at the scene, where at least four windows appeared broken and other damage was visible, local media reported.
Vance home attack: What happened
The Vance home attack occurred just after 12 a.m. Monday, according to law enforcement statements.
Secret Service agents assigned to protect the Vice President’s residence heard a loud noise and found a man outside the home with signs of property damage, the U.S. Secret Service confirmed.
The suspect, William DeFoor, 26, was seen attempting to enter the home after breaking at least one window with what appeared to be a hammer, two unnamed officials told The Associated Press.
DeFoor faces charges including criminal damaging, criminal trespass, and obstruction of official business, according to court documents.
Moreover, a Secret Service vehicle parked on the property was also damaged as the man approached the home, the officials said.
Officers from the Cincinnati Police Department took the man into custody after Secret Service personnel detained him at the scene.
It was not immediately clear whether any federal charges would be filed against the suspect, as the U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews the matter in coordination with local authorities.
Vance home context and response
Vice President Vance and his family were not in Ohio at the time of the incident, the Secret Service said.
The Vice President had been in Cincinnati last week but returned to Washington, D.C., before the attack occurred, local media reported.
The Walnut Hills neighborhood, where the Vance home is located, has seen heightened security in recent weeks. Road closures around the property that had been in effect through January 4 were lifted just before the incident.
In response to the arrest, the Secret Service said it is working with the Cincinnati Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges, according to the Associated Press report.
Officials emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and more details could emerge as federal and local law enforcement agencies continue their work.
In a post on X, Vance said he appreciated the public’s concern over the incident.
“As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows,” he said.
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…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 5, 2026
Reaction and security concerns
The arrest at the Vance home has drawn attention to safety concerns for public officials and their families. Increased security measures are common around residences of high-ranking leaders, and authorities are likely examining how the suspect gained access to the property.
Security experts say coordination between local police and federal agencies, such as the Secret Service, is critical for rapid response to incidents involving protected individuals and their residences.
What’s next for the Vance home case
As the investigation proceeds, prosecutors will decide what charges the suspect faces. Potential offenses include property damage, trespassing, and obstruction, among others.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or detailed motives. Officials are also reviewing any available video footage and witness statements from neighbors and security personnel.
The Secret Service’s coordination with federal and local partners aims to ensure the safety of the Vice President’s residence and prevent future incidents.
