A 26-year-old Maryland resident is in custody after authorities say he traveled to the home of Russell Vought, director of the federal Office of Management and Budget and a key conservative policy architect, in what investigators allege was a carefully planned attempt on his life.
According to Western Journal, the Arlington County Police Department in Virginia announced that Colin Demarco is being held without bond on charges of attempted murder, criminal solicitation to commit murder and carrying a concealed weapon. Vought is grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe, a representative of the Office of Management and Budget said, NewsNation reported.
The case stems from an Aug. 10 incident, when officers were dispatched to Voughts residence after a report of a suspicious individual, according to an Arlington Police news release. Police were told that a man in a surgical mask and wearing rubber gloves who appeared to have a gun under his shirt was seen on the porch of the house.
The man allegedly asked a witness about the alleged intended victim before leaving the scene, the release said. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled, but investigators later identified him through surveillance footage.
Detectives say the evidence points to premeditation rather than a spontaneous act. According to the news release, the suspect had obtained directions to the victims residence, had information detailing locations of firearms possessed by a relative and had a guide detailing tips to prevent criminal detection.
Online activity uncovered by investigators appeared to deepen those concerns. Additionally, the suspect had posted online about the victim and had online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder the victim, the release stated.
Within days of these online solicitations, the August 10 incident occurred. According to the release, Demarco was extradited to Virginia after his Jan. 16 arrest and is being held at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
NBC reported that, according to a source, deputies with the U.S. Marshals Service said the suspect claimed to be writing a manifesto. Notes about weapons and a body disposal guide, were also found, NBC reported.
WTOP-TV in Washington reported that the criminal complaint states Demarco told police he went to Voughts home to confront him about Project 2025, a conservative proposal to overhaul and streamline the federal bureaucracy, of which Vought was an architect. He denied having a gun or any intent to harm anyone.
The complaint further alleges that Demarco described the November 2024 election as the lowest point in his life and said he feared impending war and a fascist takeover, WTOP reported. Against the backdrop of escalating political rhetoric and hostility toward conservatives aligned with President Trumps agenda, the case underscores growing concerns that left-wing fearmongering about initiatives like Project 2025 is helping to normalize, and potentially incite, dangerous behavior toward public servants.
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