Maryland Man Charged with Attempted Murder of OMB Director

A man from Maryland is facing charges of attempted murder after allegedly visiting the home of Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, in northern Virginia. The individual, identified as Colin Demarco, aged 26, was arrested by Arlington County police on January 22. Demarco is also charged with carrying a firearm without a permit and unlawfully wearing a mask.

Demarco is accused of planning to murder Vought, as stated by a source to NBC News. Reports say he claimed to be writing a manifesto and had notes discussing weapons and a “body disposal guide.” Deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service discovered these alarming documents.

According to the complaint, Demarco expressed to agents that the November 2024 election marked the lowest point in his life. A spokesperson from the OMB commented, “We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe.”

Russ Vought is known for his work on Project 2025, where he contributed a chapter about plans to reform the executive branch, emphasizing the importance of federal agencies serving the president’s goals. Vought described the OMB as the president’s “air-traffic control system,” with its director ensuring the “commander’s intent” is maintained.

Demarco was reportedly identified from footage captured by a Ring doorbell camera at the entrance of Vought’s home on August 10. This led to his identification and arrest. Law enforcement was called to Vought’s residence around 3:15 p.m. due to reports of a suspicious individual, according to police records.

A witness described seeing a man on Vought’s porch wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves. He was carrying a backpack and appeared to be hiding a firearm beneath his clothing. The alleged suspect approached the witness to inquire about Vought before departing, prompting the witness to notify the police.

Upon investigation, Arlington County police accessed digital evidence indicating Demarco had directions to Vought’s home and had information about firearms owned by a relative. They also found that Demarco had a guide with tips for evading criminal detection. Additionally, he had made online posts about Vought and participated in online discussions soliciting violence against him. Soon after these discussions, Demarco appeared at Vought’s home.

Demarco’s preliminary court hearing is set for February 23, and he is currently held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility. Representative Brendan Boyle from Pennsylvania expressed deep concern over the incident, relieved the suspect was apprehended before any potential violence occurred. He remarked that “political violence is unacceptable and poses a threat not only to individuals but to our democracy itself. There is no place for political violence in the United States.”

This alleged plot against Vought emerges amid rising concerns about political violence in the U.S. In September, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed during an event on a college campus in Utah. In June, a gunman killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

The number of threats involving Congress has been increasing for three consecutive years, reaching its highest level as reported by the U.S. Capitol Police last month.

Michael Kosnar is the Justice Department Producer at NBC News. Tara Prindiville serves as a White House producer for NBC News. Gary Grumbach is an NBC News legal affairs reporter based in Washington, D.C. Kyla Guilfoil is a breaking news reporter on NBC News Digital’s politics team.