A 26-year-old Maryland man has been arrested on attempted murder charges after allegedly plotting to assassinate a senior Trump administration official, marking the latest in a series of violent threats against figures associated with the former president's inner circle.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Colin Demarco of Rockville, Maryland was taken into custody by Arlington County Police on January 22 following an extensive five-month investigation. The case originated from a suspicious incident in August when Demarco appeared at the Northern Virginia residence of Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.
According to court documents, Demarco arrived at the property wearing a surgical mask, gloves, and sunglasses while carrying a backpack. He claimed to be job searching, but investigators later uncovered more sinister motives.
The Project 2025 Connection
The alleged plot centered on Vought's involvement with Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative blueprint for a potential second Trump term funded by the Heritage Foundation. The plan proposes significant restructuring of the federal government to consolidate executive power.
Vought, who helped architect this controversial initiative, has previously generated controversy for his role in implementing mass layoffs across federal agencies during Trump's first year in office.
Court filings reveal Demarco wrote notes plotting to murder someone with the initials "R.V." described as "a presidential appointee." While Vought's name doesn't explicitly appear in the complaint, the description and circumstances clearly point to the OMB director.
Evidence and Confession
Investigators tracked Demarco through Ring doorbell camera footage from August 10 that captured him at Vought's Arlington home. The video showed him examining the mailbox and approaching a neighbor while concealing his identity with protective gear.
The neighbor reported to authorities that Demarco inquired about who was home and appeared to have a firearm tucked into his waistband beneath his shirt.
During questioning, Demarco initially maintained he was merely job hunting but eventually admitted traveling to confront Vought about Project 2025. He described the 2024 presidential election as "the lowest point in his life" and expressed fears of "an impending war and a fascist takeover."
Disturbing Discoveries
Authorities executing a search warrant on Demarco's iCloud account uncovered alarming documents including:
- A "Body Disposal Guide" detailing steps like "always wear rubber gloves" and "make an airtight alibi"
- A note titled "Dad's Gun Stash" referencing a ".357 Magnum Colt revolver (FULLY PRE-LOADED!)"
- Admiration for suspected United Healthcare assassin Luigi Mangione
Despite these findings, no weapons were discovered during a search of Demarco's room in August. He has denied possessing firearms or harmful intentions.
Pattern of Threats Against Trump Officials
This incident represents just the latest in a disturbing pattern of violent threats targeting Trump administration figures:
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and her husband received threatening texts in March and April last year from a Georgia man who warned they would "die soon" and were "living on borrowed time."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was forced to relocate from her Washington D.C. home to secure military housing in mid-August following a "surge in death threats" after her residential address was doxxed.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly receives government protection due to threats against his safety.
Enhanced Security for Vought
Due to the volume of violent threats and this alleged murder plot, the U.S. Marshal Service has provided Russell Vought with a security detail. Court filings note that Vought has been the subject of numerous threats since implementing Schedule F—a regulatory plan making it easier to fire federal employees.
"We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe," an OMB spokesperson stated regarding Demarco's arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Demarco is scheduled to appear in court on February 23 to face multiple criminal charges. The investigation involved initial misidentification of the suspect before U.S. Marshals properly identified and interviewed Demarco at his Maryland residence.
The case highlights ongoing security concerns for political figures in an increasingly polarized climate, particularly those associated with controversial policies like Project 2025.
