A 26-year-old man is due in court on Tuesday after allegedly attempting to break into the Ohio home of US Vice-President JD Vance with a hammer. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at Vance's residence in Cincinnati.
The US Secret Service confirmed that an adult male was taken into custody shortly after midnight for causing property damage, including breaking windows on the exterior of the vice-president's home. Law enforcement sources said the suspect had also vandalised a Secret Service vehicle on the driveway.
Vance, who had returned to Washington DC on Sunday, thanked law enforcement on social media, describing the suspect as a 'crazy person'. He urged the media to avoid publishing images of his home to protect his children from the realities of public life.
The suspect has been identified as William Defoor, 26, of Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Court records show he faces misdemeanour charges of vandalism, criminal trespass, criminal damaging and obstruction of official business. Defoor had previously been charged with vandalism in 2024 and was receiving treatment under a mental health court programme.
The Secret Service is coordinating with Cincinnati police and the US attorney's office regarding charging decisions. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns following recent attacks on politicians, including the killing of Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman in June 2025.
