US Vice President JD Vance has responded after his family home in Ohio was targeted in an early morning vandalism incident, with a suspect using a hammer to smash windows.
Suspect Apprehended at Vice Presidential Residence
The incident occurred in Cincinnati in the early hours of Monday, 5th January 2026. According to an arrest report from the Hamilton County Justice Center, the suspect, 26-year-old William DeFoor, was seen by a US Secret Service agent walking onto the property.
The agent witnessed DeFoor damaging four residential windows and a vehicle belonging to the Vice President. Authorities moved in swiftly, leading to DeFoor's arrest on charges of trespass and vandalism.
Vance Issues Statement on Family Security
Vance, who was not at the property at the time, released a statement addressing the attack. "I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home," he wrote. "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."
The Vice President revealed his family had already returned to Washington DC and were unharmed. He made a direct request to media outlets, expressing concern for his children's privacy. "We try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service," Vance continued. "In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows."
Investigation into Motive Underway
A federal law enforcement source has told CNN that authorities are actively investigating whether Vance or his family were specifically targeted in the attack. The involvement of the US Secret Service, mandated to protect the Vice President and his immediate family, underscores the serious nature of the breach.
The quick response by both federal and local law enforcement prevented further damage and ensured the suspect was taken into custody without incident. The case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures and their families, even at their private residences.
