By Gabe Whisnant
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Colin Demarco, a 26-year-old Maryland man, was charged with attempted murder, accused of targeting Russell Vought, a senior Trump administration official.
CBS News was first to report details of the case, which centers on accusations that Demarco traveled to Vought’s Northern Virginia home in August while harboring violent political grievances against the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Demarco was detained January 16 by Arlington County police and faces multiple state charges, including attempted murder. Authorities say he was fueled by his opposition to Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint funded by the Heritage Foundation.
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When reached for comment, the Arlington County Sheriff's Office directed Newsweek to its press release on the arrest.
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Justice and OMB via email on Thursday afternoon for comment.
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Alleged Plot Against Russell Vought
Court records reviewed by CBS News, which also spoke to sources familiar with the matter, allege Demarco went to Vought’s Arlington home in August wearing gloves, a surgical mask and sunglasses and was captured on a Ring doorbell camera. He was also seen checking the mailbox and speaking with a neighbor, who later told authorities the man appeared to have a gun tucked under his clothing.
Vought, the alleged "victim" in the Arlington County report, was not home at the time. Investigators say Demarco left the area before police were alerted.
The Arlington County Sheriff's Office release 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 faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and criminal solicitation to commit murder. Demarco is also charged with wearing a mask in a public place and with carrying a concealed weapon. He is being held by the Arlington County Sheriff's Office without bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The OMB director is now protected by the U.S. Marshals Service, according to CBS.
Political Motivation Cited in Court Records
According to the criminal complaint reviewed by CBS, Demarco told investigators he believed President Donald Trump’s reelection would lead to what he described as a “fascist takeover.” Authorities say he was motivated by his opposition to Project 2025, which outlines proposals to expand executive authority in a Republican administration.
CBS News also reported that Demarco expressed admiration for Luigi Mangione, who has been charged in the killing of former UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, citing him in online messages.
Demarco has denied intending to harm anyone and claimed he traveled to the area while looking for work.
Digital Evidence and Online Messages
Arlington County officials said a review of Demarco’s digital records uncovered notes discussing weapons, violent ideation and methods for avoiding detection. One document outlined steps for disposing of a body, though authorities said no weapons were recovered during a partial search of his residence, CBS reported.
Federal investigators also reviewed social media messages in which Demarco allegedly expressed a desire to kill the president and referenced Vought by name, CBS News reported from the complaint.
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Prior Mental Health Incident
Court records reviewed by CBS show Demarco previously came to the attention of law enforcement in November 2024, when he was detained under a mental health emergency petition in Maryland. 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 United States has seen a string of politically motivated violence in recent years, spanning attacks on public figures and incidents across the political spectrum.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump survived two assassination attempts—one at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired multiple shots and a bullet grazed his ear, killing a bystander, and a second at a golf course in Florida in which a would-be sniper was stopped by U.S. law enforcement. Ryan Routh was convicted and sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday.
Politically targeted violence has included the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university event and other high-profile shootings and threats against officials and military personnel, underscoring concerns about deepening polarization and threats to public safety.
Alleged Plot Against Vought Sparks MAGA Backlash
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."
Updates: 2/5/26, 8:15 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
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