A man was detained early Monday, January 5, after allegedly vandalising the Ohio residence of US Vice President JD Vance, according to the US Secret Service. The incident took place shortly after midnight at Vance’s home in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighbourhood, east of downtown.
Suspect detained by Secret Service
In an official statement, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said an adult male was taken into custody by agents assigned to protect the vice president’s residence.
“An adult male was detained by U.S. Secret Service personnel for causing property damage, including breaking windows on the exterior of a personal residence associated with the Vice President,” the statement said. The suspect has not been publicly identified.
Windows broken, vehicle vandalised
According to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press, Secret Service agents heard a loud noise near the residence and found a man who had allegedly smashed a window using a hammer and attempted to gain entry into the house.
Officials said the suspect also vandalised a Secret Service vehicle while moving up the driveway. Authorities believe he did not succeed in entering the residence. Local media images showed visible damage to multiple windows at the property.
JD Vance and family not present
The Secret Service confirmed that Vice President Vance and his family were not at home at the time of the incident, as they had already returned to Washington, DC.
Investigation underway
The Secret Service said it is working closely with the Cincinnati Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office as investigators assess the incident and consider possible charges. Authorities are also examining whether the act was specifically directed at the vice president or his family.
The suspect’s motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
