WASHINGTON, D.C. – Just after midnight on January 5, a 26-year-old from Cincinnati’s Hyde Park area was arrested after police say the person used a hammer to break windows at Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home.
Authorities accuse William DeFoor, who identifies as transgender and uses the name Julia DeFoor, of smashing four windows and causing major property damage. DeFoor was charged with felony vandalism, plus misdemeanor counts of criminal trespass, obstructing official business, and criminal damaging or endangering.
The damage happened at a home in East Walnut Hills that is described as a secondary residence for Vance, his wife, Usha, and their three young children. Secret Service agents assigned to protect the property reported hearing a loud noise, then seeing the suspect on the grounds.
According to arrest reports, the suspect broke four exterior windows and also struck a Secret Service vehicle parked in the driveway. After that, the suspect tried to run. Agents detained the individual quickly, and Cincinnati Police officers took custody and booked the suspect into the Hamilton County Justice Center. The Vance family was not home during the incident. They had traveled back to Washington, D.C., the day before, after spending the weekend in Ohio.
Vance addressed the case on social media, calling the suspect “a crazy person” who tried to get in by hammering the windows. He said he appreciated the fast response from the Secret Service and Cincinnati police. He also said he tries to shield his children from the downsides of public life, and questioned the value of sharing photos of the home showing broken windows.
Prior Pandemonium Before Attacking JD Vance’s Home
Court records show DeFoor has been tied to similar incidents in the past. In April 2024, the suspect pleaded guilty to two vandalism counts after causing more than $2,000 in damage to an interior design firm in Hyde Park.
That case was handled through the county’s mental health court program. DeFoor was ordered to complete two years of treatment and pay $5,550 in restitution. Records show treatment was still underway at the time of the latest arrest.
In 2023, a trespassing case tied to a psychiatric emergency services facility was dismissed after DeFoor was found incompetent to stand trial.
Investigators cited the prior record and concerns about repeat behavior when recommending a higher bond, according to court documents. DeFoor is set for arraignment in Hamilton County Municipal Court. Federal authorities are also reviewing whether additional charges could apply, including damaging government property and interfering with federal officers.
Parents Prominent Democrat Donors
DeFoor is listed as the eldest child of Dr. William R. DeFoor Jr., a pediatric urologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Catherine DeFoor, a general pediatrician. Both parents are registered Democrats and have a record of political donations.
Public records say Dr. William DeFoor Jr. gave more than $11,600 to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign and related Democratic committees through ActBlue. The family lives in a $1.3 million home in Hyde Park, one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, and the suspect attended private schools while growing up, according to the report.
Social media accounts linked to DeFoor show interest in transgender wellness resources, including likes tied to the Heartland Trans Wellness Center, a local group that supports transgender people. The family has not made a public statement about the arrest, and attempts to contact relatives did not succeed.
The vandalism comes as concerns about political violence aimed at public figures remain high. In recent years, attacks have targeted lawmakers’ homes, including the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2025 and the June 2025 killings of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband.
Vance has drawn criticism for his views on gender and family policy, and he has dealt with protests near his home before, including incidents that involved his young daughter.
Officials have not released a motive. Investigators are still working to determine whether the act was political, personal, or tied to other factors. Federal prosecutors and local law enforcement are coordinating as they decide whether the case will expand.
As the investigation continues, the incident highlights the security pressures that come with high-profile public service. Vance’s statement focused on keeping his children safe, and he urged restraint in sharing images of the home.
