The man accused of smashing windows at Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati residence made his first court appearance Tuesday, with his defense attorney insisting the incident did not stem from political motivations.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old William DeFoor, is facing multiple state and federal charges.
He was arrested after an early-morning hammer attack at Vance’s East Walnut Hills home on Monday.
DeFoor appeared in court on state charges, including vandalism, criminal damage, and trespassing, tied to the incident.
His attorney told the court that he and the Secret Service spent “hours” following DeFoor’s arrest discussing the circumstances.
He maintained that “it had nothing to do with political beliefs” and claimed the attack was instead related to mental health.
However, DeFoor has recently gone by “Julia” on social media accounts.
The revelation has prompted speculation online that the episode may reflect escalating leftist hostility toward Republican officials.
Authorities have not assigned a motive.
A judge set DeFoor’s bond at $11,000.
Prosecutors say DeFoor used a hammer to break several windows at the vice president’s residence.
He also attempted to smash the window of a federal agent’s vehicle parked nearby.
Vance and his family were not home during the incident.
According to authorities, DeFoor ignored commands to drop the hammer and attempted to flee before being detained.
Prosecutors estimate the total damage at roughly $28,000.
In addition to the state charges, DeFoor now faces federal counts including damaging government property and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers.
The offenses could carry decades in prison if convicted.
A motive has not been publicly released, but court records indicate prior encounters with law enforcement.
WLWT reported that a 2023 trespassing case was dismissed after DeFoor was deemed not competent to stand trial.
About a year later, he was ordered to receive treatment following a vandalism incident at a business in Hyde Park, the Cincinnati neighborhood where he grew up.
DeFoor was arraigned on Tuesday on the state charges.
A federal court date has not yet been set as the investigation continues.
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