Transgender Woman Charged After Vandalizing JD Vance’s Home

A transgender woman has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly vandalizing the home of Vice President JD Vance in Cincinnati, Ohio. The suspect, identified as William D. DeFoor, 26, is accused of smashing four windows at Vance’s residence during an overnight break-in on January 5, 2026.

DeFoor, who now goes by the name Julia, faces charges including obstructing official business, criminal damaging or endangering, criminal trespass, and vandalism. The incident occurred at Vance’s secondary home, valued at approximately $1.4 million, located in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood. Secret Service agents responded to a loud noise around midnight and detained DeFoor shortly after witnessing the suspect fleeing the scene.

Background of the Suspect

Julia DeFoor grew up in the affluent Hyde Park area of Cincinnati, where her parents, William DeFoor Jr. and Catherine DeFoor, are established medical professionals. William is a pediatric urologist, while Catherine works as a pediatrician. The family is known for their strong ties to the Democratic Party, having made significant contributions to various political campaigns, including over $11,600 to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign.

According to public records and social media accounts, Julia attended the prestigious Summit Country Day School, where she graduated in 2018 as a National AP Scholar. Although she excelled academically and was involved in the school’s drama department, it appears that she did not complete a traditional four-year university education. Julia briefly attended the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music before leaving in 2020. Last year, she enrolled at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, but details of her studies remain unclear.

Details of the Incident

The vandalism incident unfolded while Vice President Vance and his family were out of town. Following the break-in, DeFoor reportedly vandalized a Secret Service vehicle before being apprehended. When informed of his rights, DeFoor allegedly responded with uncertainty, according to the arrest report.

This is not DeFoor’s first encounter with the law; he pleaded guilty to vandalism charges in April 2025, related to damage exceeding $2,000 at an interior design company, resulting in a two-year sentence at a mental health facility and restitution of $5,550.

Following the break-in, Vance took to social media to express gratitude for the quick response from law enforcement. He stated, “I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home. 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. We weren’t even home as we had returned already to DC.”

As the investigation continues, DeFoor is set to be arraigned at Hamilton County Municipal Court on January 9, 2026. The motivations behind the attack remain unclear, and attempts to reach the DeFoor family for comments have not been successful.