A 26-year-old Ohio man admitted in federal court Tuesday to attacking Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence with a hammer, causing $28,000 in damage to historic windows and a federal law enforcement vehicle parked outside.

The January Attack

William D. DeFoor pleaded guilty to engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing willful injury or depredation to property of the United States. The incident occurred on January 5 while Vance, the former Ohio senator, and his family were in Washington, D.C. Federal prosecutors detailed how DeFoor attempted to smash the window of an unmarked law enforcement vehicle with a hammer before turning his attention to large historic glass windows at the residence itself.

Law enforcement officers arrested DeFoor as he attempted to flee on foot from the property. A federal judge ordered him detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. His attorney, Paul Laufman, did not respond to requests for comment following the guilty plea.

Mental Health Concerns Raised

After DeFoor’s arrest in January, his attorney stated the incident was not politically motivated and had nothing to do with the specifics of the vice president. His mother, Catherine DeFoor, publicly addressed her son’s psychiatric struggles in a statement to reporters. She described mental illness as a terrible thing that can take over the life of a beautiful person and devastate those who love and support them. Catherine DeFoor said the condition has taken over her son’s life in ways the family never imagined.

Federal Property Protection

The case highlights federal protections for government officials and their property. The charges DeFoor pleaded guilty to carry significant potential penalties under federal law. The unmarked federal vehicle at the residence reflects the security measures in place for high-ranking government officials, even when they are not present at their private residences. The $28,000 damage estimate includes both the historic windows at the home and the federal law enforcement vehicle DeFoor targeted with the hammer before his arrest.