Federal and local authorities detained a man early Monday after he allegedly damaged a Cincinnati residence linked to Vice President JD Vance, prompting a swift U.S. Secret Service response and renewed concern about political violence in the United States.
An adult male was detained for causing property damage at the home and later transferred to Cincinnati Police custody, according to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. The vice president and his family were not in Ohio at the time.
Guglielmi stated that windows on the exterior of the residence were broken, and the detention occurred shortly after midnight.
Vance’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, confirmed the vice president’s family was in Washington, D.C., and not endangered.
“The U.S. Secret Service is coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office as charging decisions are reviewed,” Guglielmi said, indicating that both local and federal authorities are evaluating the case.
Two senior law enforcement officials identified the suspect as 26-year-old William DeFoor. Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office records show DeFoor faces local charges of vandalism, obstruction of official business, and criminal trespassing, with an arraignment set for Tuesday in Hamilton County court.
Investigators said DeFoor was armed with a hammer during the incident and used it to break glass at the residence. Two Secret Service sources said the suspect also struck a Secret Service vehicle and vandalised additional property nearby. Authorities emphasised that DeFoor had not previously been identified as a potential threat to the vice president or his family.
Law enforcement officials said DeFoor has a documented history of mental health issues. Authorities continue to review his background and have not stated whether the incident was politically motivated.
Vance addressed the incident publicly later Monday, expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their response. “I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home,” he wrote in a post on X. “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 Cincinnati Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for additional information from NBC News, which first reported details of the suspect’s identity and custody status.
The vandalism comes amid heightened national anxiety over political violence following several high-profile incidents in recent years. In 2024, President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts during the presidential election cycle. Authorities have also reported a rise in threats, harassment, and “swatting” incidents directed at elected officials across the country.
Among the most prominent cases cited by officials are the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the fatal attack on Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, incidents that intensified calls for increased protections for public officials and their families.
Security experts say that even when an elected official is not present, incidents involving their residences are treated with urgency due to the potential for escalation. The Secret Service has repeatedly warned of an elevated threat environment fueled by political polarisation, online radicalisation, and misinformation.
For now, authorities say there is no indication of an ongoing threat related to the Cincinnati incident. Investigators continue to review evidence, witness statements, and the suspect’s background as prosecutors determine whether charges beyond the local level may be pursued.
