William D. DeFoor, 26, has pleaded guilty in federal court to vandalizing the home of Vice President JD Vance in Cincinnati earlier this year.
According to officials, DeFoor caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage on January 5 when he used a hammer to smash multiple windows at Vance's unoccupied home. DeFoor specifically admitted to acts of physical violence against government officials or property, as well as the willful injury or depredation of U.S. government property.
Court records show that DeFoor has a history of mental health issues and a history of run-ins with the law, including previous cases involving findings of mental incompetency. His defense attorney has previously stated that the assaults were not politically motivated and that DeFoor suffers from mental health issues.
DeFoor was detained after Secret Service agents observed him near the front fence of Vance's protected residence. He was wielding a hammer and breached the property line at the driveway, targeting an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle and then breaking large, historic glass windows across the front of the home.
DeFoor's guilty plea comes as U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II condemned the violence, saying that assaults against U.S. officials will be prosecuted. Gerace stated that acts of violence directed against political leaders, their families, or property will not be tolerated and will be vigorously prosecuted.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
View original reporting →
