Maryland man charged with attempted murder for alleged plot connected to OMB's Russell Vought

The Arlington County Police Department in Virginia announced Thursday that a Maryland man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection to an alleged plot centered on Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.

The 26-year-old man, identified as Colin Demarco, was arrested last month and is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility. He has also been charged with Criminal Solicitation to Commit Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Wearing a Mask in Public to Conceal Identity. 

The incident involving Vought occurred last August when Demarco allegedly turned up at Vought's Northern Virginia home, wearing a surgical mask and gloves, according to court documents reviewed by CBS News. 

Demarco allegedly approached a witness while carrying a backpack and allegedly concealing a firearm. The witness told police that the man inquired about Vought before leaving the scene. Police were dispatched to the area but Demarco was not found.

The suspect also allegedly posted online about Vought and had online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder him, days before planning to allegedly carry out the assassination himself. 

Demarco has admitted to being in Arlington last August but claimed he was looking for a job. He has denied carrying a firearm or an intention to hurt Vought, but said he did plan to confront Vought about Project 2025 because the 2024 election was the "lowest point in his life" and he feared a "fascist takeover."

"We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe," an OMB spokesperson told CBS News. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.