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A federal grand jury has indicted 26-year-old William D. DeFoor on three charges related to the January 5 vandalism of Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence. The charges include damaging government property, committing violence in a restricted area, and resisting federal officers. Prosecutors say DeFoor used a hammer to break multiple historic windows and damage security features. This caused about $28,000 in losses. He has been ordered held in custody pending trial. Meanwhile, his defense argues the incident was driven by mental health issues rather than political motives.
Indictment vs DeFoor secured
Federal prosecutors secured a home vandalism indictment against 26-year-old William D. DeFoor in federal court Wednesday.
A grand jury in the Southern District of Ohio returned a three-count indictment accusing DeFoor of damaging government property. In addition, he is accused of engaging in violence in a restricted area and resisting federal officers.
The Associated Press reported that authorities said the incident occurred in the early hours of January 5 in the East Walnut Hills section of Cincinnati. DeFoor allegedly breached the property line of Vice President JD Vance’s residence.
Secret Service officers spotted the suspect on camera wielding a hammer and damaging historic windows and security features before his arrest.
Indictment details in Vance home vandalism case
In the indictment, DeFoor is charged with three federal offenses tied to Vance home vandalism, each carrying significant prison terms if he is convicted. Prosecutors contend he broke at least 14 window panes and damaged federal security enhancements valued at roughly $28,000.
The charges include:
- Damaging government property
- Engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds
- Assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers
Moreover, each of the first two charges carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The third carries up to 20 years. Federal judges often consider the seriousness of the alleged conduct and risk to public safety when detaining defendants pending trial.
Judge orders DeFoor held pending trial
A federal magistrate judge ruled earlier this week that DeFoor must remain in custody while the case moves forward. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the vandalism at a protected federal property.
This decision keeps DeFoor in the Hamilton County jail ahead of his next federal hearing. The hearing is scheduled to determine preliminary proceedings and potential bond conditions.
His attorney, Paul Laufman, has previously described the conduct as rooted in mental health struggles, not political intent. However, court filings have not demonstrated a clear motive.
What happened at the Vance home
On January 5, Secret Service agents assigned to protect the vice presidential residence reported seeing a man run along the front fence shortly after midnight. Then, the suspect crossed onto the property armed with a hammer.
Officials say DeFoor first attempted to break the window of an unmarked Secret Service vehicle. Next, he moved to the front of the home and struck multiple historic windows.
Shortly after his vandalism, DeFoor was detained by Secret Service and Cincinnati Police Department officers. Local law enforcement later turned the matter over to federal prosecutors.
Background: Prior charges and mental health context
Before the federal indictment, DeFoor faced state charges for vandalism, trespassing, criminal damage and obstruction of official business. Those charges were mostly misdemeanors and were ultimately dropped in favor of the federal prosecution.
Records show DeFoor has prior encounters with law enforcement, including a 2023 arrest for trespassing. Additionally, he has a 2024 vandalism conviction that resulted in mental health treatment conditions.
Defense lawyers argue that ongoing mental health issues played a large role in his conduct at the Vance residence. During a recent court hearing, DeFoor’s attorney said his client’s state of mind was central to the incident.
Reactions and official statements
In the aftermath of the incident, Vice President Vance publicly thanked law enforcement for their work and expressed relief that no one was harmed. Vance and his family were not at the Cincinnati residence when the attack happened.
“I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home,” Vance said in a post on social media platform X, calling the suspect “clearly a very sick individual.”
Ohio officials also condemned the vandalism. They noted the importance of prosecuting crimes that involve violence — even symbolic attacks — against public officials and their homes. State leaders emphasized the rule of law and the need to protect citizens and officials alike.
Looking ahead in the Vance home vandalism prosecution
The next major steps in the Vance home vandalism case include preliminary federal hearings, possible motions on evidence and defense arguments. Eventually, the case will proceed to either a trial or plea negotiations.
Federal prosecutors are preparing their case with a detailed affidavit and supporting evidence collected at the scene.
Defense attorneys may file motions to challenge aspects of the indictment or seek accommodations based on mental health considerations. Furthermore, observers say cases involving public officials often draw intense media scrutiny and legal debate.
Analysts also note that federal charges involving restricted grounds (such as protected residences) can be more complex due to overlapping security and constitutional concerns.
In the coming weeks, the federal court docket will reveal more details about how this high-profile case unfolds. Local and national attention on the matter underscores heightened concerns about the safety of public figures and their families.
FAQs
What is the Vance home vandalism case?
The Vance home vandalism case involves federal charges against a Cincinnati man accused of damaging Vice President JD Vance’s residence. Prosecutors say the suspect used a hammer to break historic windows and breach a protected property monitored by the U.S. Secret Service.
Who is charged in the Vance home vandalism incident?
Federal prosecutors charged William D. DeFoor, 26, in connection with the Vance home vandalism. A federal grand jury indicted him on multiple counts related to damaging government property and entering restricted grounds.
How much damage was caused to JD Vance’s home?
Prosecutors estimate the damage from the Vance home vandalism at approximately $28,000, including broken historic windows and damage to security-related property.
Was the vandalism politically motivated?
Prosecutors have not alleged a political motive in the Vance home vandalism case. Defense attorneys argue the incident may be connected to mental health issues rather than political intent.
What happens next in the Vance home vandalism case?
Next steps include federal court hearings, possible legal motions, and either a trial or plea negotiations. The timeline depends on court rulings and defense strategy.
Also read:
Suspect taken into custody after vandalism at Vance’s Ohio residence, Secret Service confirms
