Washington, Jan 5 (NationPress) US Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday that his family was not present at their Ohio home when an intruder attempted to break in. He expressed gratitude towards the US Secret Service and Cincinnati police for their prompt action, as local authorities charged a 26-year-old man in relation to this incident.

“I am thankful for everyone’s kind messages regarding the incident at our residence,” Vance shared on social media. “From what I understand, an unstable individual attempted to enter by smashing the windows. I am thankful to the Secret Service and Cincinnati police for their quick response.”

He further mentioned, “We weren’t at home as we had already returned to DC.”

Vance also requested responsible reporting, particularly concerning images of his home. “One request to the media: we strive to shield our children from the harsh realities of public life. In this context, I doubt the newsworthiness of showcasing images of our home with shattered windows,” he remarked.

According to local news source WCPO 9 Cincinnati, both Cincinnati police and U.S. Secret Service agents responded shortly after midnight to reports of damage at the Vice President’s residence in the Cincinnati area. The suspect, identified as William DeFoor, 26, was arrested and charged, as stated in a police arrest report.

As reported by WCPO, DeFoor faces charges including one count of criminal damage, one count of obstructing official business, one count of criminal trespass, and one felony count of vandalism. Authorities claim he damaged several windows at the home and a vehicle owned by the Secret Service.

Reports indicated that agents from the Secret Service witnessed the suspect on the property, and surveillance footage showed him breaking four windows at the residence. A crew from WCPO at the scene noted that officers from both agencies conducted a search in the early morning, with numerous windows visibly shattered.

Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, informed local media that the suspect was being held on local charges, with the possibility of federal charges being pursued. He added that the suspect was being questioned by Secret Service agents, and the agency would present its findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for any federal charging decisions.

Law enforcement officials reported that Secret Service agents heard a loud noise around midnight and discovered that a window had been broken with a hammer. They indicated that the suspect appeared to be trying to gain entry into the house.

Investigators do not believe the suspect managed to enter the residence. No injuries were reported, and authorities specified that the home was unoccupied during the incident, according to various media reports.

The Cincinnati Enquirer stated that the Secret Service alerted Cincinnati police after noticing suspicious behavior, leading to a coordinated response that resulted in the arrest. Police activity was visible in the East Walnut Hills neighborhood for several hours as officers documented the damage and secured the area, the newspaper added.

The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for providing protective coverage for the Vice President, immediate family members, and designated residences, collaborating closely with state and local law enforcement agencies.

JD Vance, a former U.S. senator from Ohio, has been serving as Vice President since earlier this year. Security incidents involving the homes of senior U.S. officials are treated as joint federal and local matters, with prosecutors reviewing potential charges after investigations are concluded.