The man apprehended in connection with the vandalism incident at Vice President JD Vance’s residence in Cincinnati has brought to light issues of mental health competency. The 26-year-old, William DeFoor, was taken into custody early Monday and, according to federal sources, insisted on being addressed as “Julia” upon his arrest.
DeFoor faces several charges, including vandalism, obstruction of official business, criminal damaging or endangering, and criminal trespass, as confirmed by jail records following his booking on Monday. His arrest adds to a history of legal challenges, with court documents indicating past encounters with the law in Hamilton County. These previous cases have frequently involved assessments of his mental fitness.
Authorities, including the Secret Service and local police, swiftly intervened after reports surfaced of alleged property damage at the Vice President’s home. The suspect’s actions have once again raised questions about his mental state, especially in light of earlier legal proceedings where his competency was questioned.
Earlier this year, in April 2023, DeFoor faced charges for trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services. He allegedly refused to vacate the premises, but the case was subsequently dismissed when he was deemed incompetent to stand trial, according to court records.
A suspect is in custody after allegedly damaging property at Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home. Secret Service and police responded quickly. (Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)
DeFoor was charged in April 2023 with trespassing at the University of Cincinnati Health Psychiatric Emergency Services after police said he refused to leave the premises, but the case was later dismissed after he was ruled incompetent to stand trial.
DeFoor’s legal issues continued in 2024, when he was charged with two counts of vandalism after windows at a Hyde Park business were broken, according to court records and reporting by the Cincinnati Enquirer, with the case referred to a mental health docket and treatment ordered in lieu of conviction.
A man was in custody after damaging property at Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati on Monday morning, the U.S. Secret Service said. The residence was unoccupied, and Vance and his family were not in the state at the time of the incident. (WXIX)
In October 2024, Hamilton County Court approved an application granting DeFoor’s mother legal guardianship, finding him incompetent by reason of mental illness.
In his latest arrest, Defoor is accused of causing property damage, including breaking windows on the exterior of a personal residence belonging to Vance, the Secret Service said.
Vice President JD Vance speaks with Breitbart News Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)
After the Secret Service detained him, DeFoor was taken into custody by the Cincinnati Police Department.
The agency said no one was inside the residence, and that Vance and his family were not in Ohio at the time of the incident.
Vance posted a statement on X later Monday morning, writing that an apparent “crazy person” tried to break into the family’s home.
“I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home,” the statement read, in part. “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 already to DC.”
