William D DeFoor, 26, has pleaded guilty to federal charges over an attack on Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home in January.
DeFoor admitted charges of engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing wilful injury or depredation to United States property, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio said.
The incident happened shortly after midnight on January 5, when Secret Service agents saw DeFoor running along the front fence of the protected residence.
Court documents state that he crossed the property line and used a hammer to strike the window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle three times. He then allegedly ignored commands to stop and drop the weapon before smashing large historic windows at the front of the house.
The damage also affected enhanced security equipment fitted to the windows and owned by the US government, valued at about $28,000.
DeFoor attempted to escape on foot but was detained by Secret Service agents and Cincinnati police officers. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
Each of the offences carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison. His sentence will be decided at a later hearing under federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
US Attorney Dominick S Gerace II said acts of violence aimed at political leaders, their families or their property “have no place in our society and will not be tolerated”.
