William DeFoor, 26, Arrested After Attempted Break-In at JD Vance’s Cincinnati Home
CINCINNATI, Ohio — A man has been taken into custody following a security incident at a Cincinnati residence associated with Vice President JD Vance, according to Cincinnati police and the U.S. Secret Service.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight early Monday morning in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood. Law enforcement officers and Secret Service agents responded after receiving reports of suspicious activity and property damage at the residence.
Officers remained at the scene for several hours while investigators examined the property. Media footage from the area showed visible damage to multiple exterior windows of the home.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that a male suspect was initially detained by Secret Service personnel before being formally arrested by the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD). Officials stated the suspect caused property damage, including breaking several exterior windows of a personal residence associated with the Vice President.
According to arrest records, the suspect was identified as 26-year-old William DeFoor of Hyde Park. In a statement of facts, authorities allege that DeFoor was observed by a Secret Service agent and was also captured on security video unlawfully entering the property.
Investigators said DeFoor damaged four exterior windows and a vehicle while on the premises. He has been charged with criminal damaging or endangering, obstructing official business, and criminal trespass, all misdemeanor offenses. Court records also show he faces one count of vandalism, classified as a fifth-degree felony.
The Secret Service stated it is coordinating closely with the Cincinnati Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues. Officials confirmed that Vice President Vance and his family were not at the residence at the time of the incident, as they had returned to Washington, D.C., on Sunday afternoon following a week-long visit to Cincinnati.
Vice President Vance addressed the incident in a statement shared on social media, expressing appreciation for the response from law enforcement and raising concerns about family privacy. He stated that an individual attempted to break into the home by damaging windows and thanked the Secret Service and Cincinnati police for their quick action. He also noted that his family was not present and requested discretion from the media, particularly regarding the publication of images showing damage to the home, citing efforts to protect his children’s privacy.
Court records indicate DeFoor has had prior interactions with law enforcement. In 2023, he was arrested for trespassing at UC Health’s Psychiatric Emergency Services building and failing to disclose personal information. Those charges were later dismissed after he was found not competent to stand trial.
In 2024, DeFoor was charged with two counts of vandalism after allegedly breaking a window at a Hyde Park business. Records show he was granted treatment in lieu of conviction, and that treatment was ongoing at the time of this most recent arrest.
Authorities have not released further information regarding a possible motive. The investigation remains active, and officials have stated that additional details will be shared as they become available.
