Federal authorities have brought serious criminal charges against a 26-year-old Ohio man accused of vandalizing the Cincinnati home associated with Vice President JD Vance, escalating a case that initially began with local offenses. The Justice Department announced that William DeFoor now faces multiple federal counts stemming from the late-night incident, including damaging government property and engaging in physical violence on restricted grounds.
The development places the case within a broader national focus on the security of public officials and the legal consequences of attacks on protected residences. While no one was injured and the Vance family was not present at the time, the alleged actions triggered an immediate response from the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement, leading to William DeFoor’s arrest and a parallel track of federal and state prosecutions.
The incident occurred just hours after the Vance family had left Cincinnati for Washington, D.C., underscoring the unpredictable nature of threats against high-ranking officials even when they are not present. According to authorities, the damage included broken exterior windows and vandalism to property associated with the vice president’s residence. Investigators have emphasized that the matter is being handled as a serious security breach, given the protected status of the location and the involvement of federal officers during the response.
Federal Charges and Potential Penalties
On Monday evening, the Justice Department confirmed that federal prosecutors had charged William DeFoor with damaging government property and engaging in physical violence against any person or property located in a restricted building or on restricted grounds. Each of these offenses carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. In addition, DeFoor faces a separate federal charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, a count that significantly raises his legal exposure, as it is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The inclusion of this charge reflects allegations that William DeFoor’s actions went beyond property damage and involved direct interference with Secret Service personnel. According to sources familiar with the investigation, he was allegedly armed with a hammer at the time of the incident.
Those sources further stated that he broke glass, struck a Secret Service vehicle, and vandalized additional property in the vicinity of the residence. While federal authorities have not publicly detailed every aspect of the encounter, the charges indicate that prosecutors believe the conduct met the threshold for serious federal crimes tied to the protection of government officials and their residences.
Federal cases of this nature often hinge on the designation of a location as restricted grounds and the presence of federal protective services. Residences associated with the vice president are protected by the U.S. Secret Service, making unauthorized entry or violent conduct subject to enhanced penalties under federal law. Prosecutors typically pursue such charges to reinforce the legal protections afforded to public officials and to deter similar incidents.
BREAKING: JD Vance home attacker William DeFoor confirmed to be transgender and goes by the name “Julia”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 5, 2026
Both parents are registered as Democrats, donating over $11,000 to Kamala Harris in 2024.
They also donated to Joe Biden.
There it is. pic.twitter.com/DSZjzgJvsy
The Justice Department’s announcement made clear that the federal case will proceed independently of the local charges already filed in Ohio. If convicted on all federal counts alone, DeFoor could face decades in prison, though any eventual sentence would depend on a range of factors, including federal sentencing guidelines, the defendant’s criminal history, and judicial discretion.
Local Charges and Details of the Incident
Before federal charges were announced, DeFoor had already been charged in Hamilton County Municipal Court with four local offenses: vandalism, criminal trespass, criminal damaging, and obstructing official business. Court records indicate that he is scheduled to be arraigned on those charges, which stem from the same episode at the Cincinnati residence.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that DeFoor was taken into custody overnight following the incident. In a statement released earlier in the day, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said that an adult male had been detained by Secret Service personnel and subsequently taken into custody by the Cincinnati Police Department after causing property damage at a residence associated with the vice president. The damage included broken exterior windows, and the detention occurred shortly after midnight.
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Guglielmi added that the Secret Service is coordinating closely with the Cincinnati Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as charging decisions continue to be reviewed. This coordination reflects standard protocol in cases involving protected officials, where local law enforcement often works alongside federal agencies during both the investigative and prosecutorial phases.
Images from local media showed broken windows at the Cincinnati home, highlighting the visible impact of the alleged vandalism. While the residence is associated with Vice President Vance, officials have clarified that the Vance family was not present during the incident. Vance’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, confirmed that the family was in Washington, D.C., at the time.
The Cincinnati Police Department has not released extensive additional details about the incident, and officials did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to present evidence from both federal and local perspectives, including surveillance footage, physical evidence from the scene, and testimony from responding officers.
Security Concerns, Official Response, and Broader Context
The case has drawn attention not only because it involves the vice president’s residence but also because it occurs against a backdrop of heightened concern over political violence in the United States. In recent years, attacks, threats, and harassment directed at public officials have prompted increased scrutiny of security measures and legal safeguards.
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Vice President Vance, who previously served as a U.S. senator from Ohio before assuming his current office, addressed the incident publicly in a post on X. He thanked responders and acknowledged the concern expressed by members of the public. In his statement, Vance said that, to his understanding, an individual attempted to break into the home by hammering the windows and expressed gratitude to the Secret Service and Cincinnati police for their swift response.
Federal sources indicated that William DeFoor had not previously been identified by the Secret Service as a potential risk. However, officials and local reports have noted that he has a documented history of mental health concerns. While such information does not determine criminal responsibility, it may become a factor during court proceedings, particularly if defense attorneys seek evaluations or argue for considerations related to competency or sentencing.
The incident also follows a series of high-profile acts of violence and threats involving political figures. Last year saw multiple killings that intensified national debate about political extremism and safety, including the deaths of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Democratic Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. During the 2024 presidential campaign, President Donald Trump faced two assassination attempts, further heightening awareness of security risks for elected officials.
More recently, several Indiana Republicans reported being targeted with “swatting” incidents or threats amid contentious political disputes, adding to the sense of volatility surrounding public life. Against this backdrop, federal authorities have emphasized the importance of enforcing laws designed to protect officials and deter acts of violence or intimidation.
The prosecution of DeFoor at both the federal and local levels reflects this broader enforcement posture. By pursuing charges that carry substantial penalties, prosecutors signal that attacks on protected residences and interference with federal officers will be treated with the utmost seriousness. At the same time, the judicial process will determine the outcome based on evidence, legal standards, and the defendant’s rights.
As the case moves forward, DeFoor will face proceedings in both municipal and federal courts. The parallel cases will unfold over the coming months, with arraignments, hearings, and potential motions shaping the legal path ahead. For now, the incident stands as another example of the complex intersection between public safety, mental health considerations, and the legal protections surrounding the nation’s highest offices.
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