A 26-year-old Maryland man, Colin Demarco, has been charged with attempted murder after authorities say he targeted Russell Vought, a senior Trump administration official and director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
CBS News first reported details of the case, which centers on allegations that Demarco traveled to Vought’s Northern Virginia home in August while driven by intense political grievances. Demarco was taken into custody on January 16 by Arlington County police and now faces multiple state charges, including attempted murder. Investigators say his alleged motive was tied to opposition to Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint backed by the Heritage Foundation.
When contacted, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office directed Newsweek to its press release announcing the arrest. Newsweek also said it reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Justice and OMB for comment Thursday afternoon.
Alleged Plot Against Russell Vought
According to court records reviewed by CBS News and people familiar with the investigation, Demarco went to Vought’s Arlington home in August wearing gloves, a surgical mask and sunglasses, and was recorded by a Ring doorbell camera. He was also seen checking the mailbox and speaking with a neighbor, who later told investigators the man appeared to have a gun tucked under his clothing.
Vought was not home at the time, according to an Arlington County report, and investigators say Demarco left before police arrived.
In its release, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office said: “The suspect subsequently approached the witness and inquired about the victim before leaving the scene. The witness then contacted police and responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results. The incident was captured on home surveillance video and the suspect was subsequently identified.”
Demarco is charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder and criminal solicitation to commit murder. He also faces charges for wearing a mask in a public place and carrying a concealed weapon. He is being held without bond and is expected to appear in court later this month.
CBS reported that Vought is now protected by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Political Motivation Cited in Court Records
The criminal complaint reviewed by CBS alleges Demarco told investigators he believed President Donald Trump’s reelection would trigger what he described as a “fascist takeover.” Authorities say his opposition to Project 2025—an agenda that includes proposals to expand executive authority in a Republican administration—was a key driver of his actions.
CBS also reported that Demarco expressed admiration for Luigi Mangione, who has been charged in the killing of former UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, and referenced him in online messages.
Demarco has denied intending to harm anyone, telling investigators he traveled to the area while seeking work.
Digital Evidence and Online Messages
Arlington County officials said investigators reviewed Demarco’s digital records and found notes discussing weapons, violent ideation and ways to avoid detection. CBS reported that one document included steps for disposing of a body, though authorities said no weapons were recovered during a partial search of his residence.
Federal investigators also reviewed social media messages in which Demarco allegedly expressed a desire to kill the president and mentioned Vought by name, CBS News reported, citing the complaint.
Prior Mental Health Incident
CBS reported that Demarco previously drew law enforcement attention in November 2024, when he was detained under a mental health emergency petition in Maryland. According to court records reviewed by CBS, authorities said he told officers he wanted to die following Trump’s reelection and claimed to be writing a manifesto.
US Political Violence: What to Know
The U.S. has experienced repeated episodes of politically motivated violence in recent years, including attacks on public figures and incidents spanning the political spectrum.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump survived two assassination attempts—one at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots were fired and a bullet grazed his ear, killing a bystander, and a second at a golf course in Florida, where law enforcement stopped a would-be sniper. Ryan Routh was convicted and sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday.
Other high-profile incidents have included the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university event, along with other shootings and threats targeting officials and military personnel—underscoring growing concerns about polarization and public safety.
Alleged Plot Against Vought Sparks MAGA Backlash
The case quickly triggered heated reactions from conservative commentators online.
Popular conservative account johnny maga, on X: “Kamala and the Democrats almost caused the assassination of a high-ranking Trump official. 26-year-old Maryland man Colin Demarco was arrested on attempted murder charges after showing up at OMB Director Russ Vought’s home wearing gloves and a surgical mask, admitting to investigators he wanted to confront him about PROJECT 2025. He searched the internet for methods to dispose of a body and made note of weapons stashes, sending a Discord message claiming to have found Vought’s address.”
Conservative podcaster Eric Daugherty, on X: “BREAKING: Leftist man Colin Demarco arrested for allegedly plotting to ASSASSINATE OMB Director Russ Vought, SHOWING UP at his house to confront him about ‘Project 2025’ That was Democrats’ main attack against Trump during the election THEY ALMOST GOT HIM KILLED. This has to stop. Democrats must call off the attacks.”
Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet, also on X: “So grateful OMB Director Russ Vought is safe and his would-be lunatic assassin has been arrested. 26-year-old Maryland man Colin Demarco has been charged with attempted murder charges. – He believed President Trump’s reelection would lead to a ‘fascist takeover’ (wonder where he heard that one) – He went to Vought’s home to ‘confront him’ about Project 2025 – He also spoke of his admiration for Luigi Mangione Yet further proof that there is a political violence problem in America and conservatives are the target. God bless, Russ Vought.”
