A 26-year-old Maryland resident is facing serious felony charges after allegedly attempting to murder a high-ranking Trump administration official. Colin Demarco was taken into custody by Arlington County law enforcement on January 22, following an extensive investigation that revealed troubling details about his intentions toward Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.
According to court documents reviewed by CBS News, Demarco appeared at Vought's residence in Northern Virginia on August 10, 2025, wearing a surgical mask and gloves—attire that immediately raised suspicions about his intentions. The incident was captured by a Ring doorbell camera, providing key visual evidence for investigators. The footage showed Demarco at the front door of the home, though it's unclear from the complaint whether he attempted to enter, rang the doorbell, or simply surveilled the property before leaving.
The criminal complaint outlines what prosecutors describe as a premeditated plot against an individual identified only by the initials "R.V.," described as a presidential appointee involved in the creation of Project 2025. Multiple sources close to the investigation confirmed to CBS News that the target was indeed Vought, who has served as OMB Director since the beginning of President Trump's second term and has become one of the administration's most polarizing figures.
Project 2025, funded by the conservative Heritage Foundation, represents a comprehensive policy agenda designed to fundamentally reshape the federal government by consolidating executive power and dismantling what its supporters call the "administrative state." The 900-page document calls for radical changes including reclassifying tens of thousands of federal workers, eliminating entire agencies, and centralizing control under the White House. The initiative has sparked intense debate and criticism from opponents who view it as a dangerous concentration of authority that could undermine democratic institutions.
Demarco's alleged motivations stemmed from deep political anxiety and opposition to these policies. Court records indicate he expressed fears that President Trump's reelection would trigger a "fascist takeover" of the United States government. These concerns apparently drove him to take drastic and illegal action against a key architect of the administration's policies, believing he was acting to protect democracy itself—a justification that law enforcement officials reject as vigilantism that threatens the rule of law.
The investigation uncovered additional disturbing evidence beyond the doorbell camera footage. Federal agents with the U.S. Marshals Service discovered that Demarco had claimed to be writing a political manifesto and had compiled detailed notes on various disturbing topics. Among these documents were references to a weapons collection and what he labeled a "Body Disposal Guide," suggesting extensive planning for violent acts and a chilling level of preparation that alarmed investigators.
The U.S. Marshals Service, which falls under the Department of Justice and is responsible for protecting federal judges and other high-profile officials, led the investigation into Demarco. This federal involvement underscores the seriousness of threats against senior government officials and the potential for political violence to escalate. The Marshals Service now provides protective security for Vought, who has become one of the most heavily guarded officials in the administration.
Vought's prominence in the Trump administration has made him a lightning rod for criticism and threats across the political spectrum. He has played a central role in the mass dismissal of federal employees, implementing policies that have dramatically reduced the federal workforce by tens of thousands. Perhaps most notably, Vought is the architect of Schedule F, a regulatory framework that would reclassify thousands of career civil servants as at-will employees, making them easier to terminate without traditional civil service protections that have existed for generations.
In private speeches delivered before President Trump's inauguration, Vought reportedly stated his desire to put career civil servants "in trauma," according to previous reporting by ProPublica. These comments, combined with his aggressive approach to downsizing government, have generated significant backlash and made him a primary target for those opposed to the administration's agenda. Critics argue that Schedule F would politicize the federal workforce and remove expertise from critical government functions.
The threats against Vought are not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern. Court filings and sources indicate he has received numerous violent threats since last year, prompting the need for continuous security protection. He joins a growing list of Trump administration officials who require federal protection due to credible threats against their safety, reflecting the increasingly dangerous environment for public servants.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also receives government-provided security detail because of threats he has received, according to multiple sources who spoke with CBS News. Kennedy, who has promoted controversial health policies and challenged vaccine orthodoxy, has become another flashpoint for political anger. This pattern reflects the increasingly polarized and volatile political climate, where high-profile officials face real dangers from individuals on all sides of the ideological spectrum.
The timeline of the case reveals a months-long investigation. Demarco's appearance at Vought's home occurred in August 2025, but he was not arrested until January 22, suggesting investigators took time to build a comprehensive case. During this period, federal agents likely conducted surveillance, obtained search warrants, and analyzed digital evidence to understand the full scope of the threat.
An Arlington County police officer drafted the criminal complaint against Demarco, which includes multiple charges. While the specific counts are not detailed in the available information, attempted murder represents the most serious allegation and carries significant prison time if convicted. Demarco is scheduled to appear in court on February 23, where he will face these charges and likely enter a plea.
A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget expressed gratitude for law enforcement's efforts. "We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe," the statement read, acknowledging the successful prevention of a potentially tragic outcome while declining to comment further on the ongoing legal matter.
When contacted about the case, a representative from Arlington's public defender office confirmed that Demarco has retained private legal counsel but declined to provide additional details about his defense strategy or the attorney representing him. This suggests Demarco may not qualify for public defender services, possibly due to financial resources or other factors.
The case highlights the ongoing security challenges facing government officials in an era of intense political division and social media-fueled radicalization. As the Trump administration continues to implement controversial policies like Project 2025 and Schedule F, the risk of violence against those carrying out these agendas appears to be increasing, requiring vigilant law enforcement response to protect public servants and their families.
Legal experts note that attempted murder charges require prosecutors to prove intent to kill, which the combination of the doorbell footage, manifesto claims, and "Body Disposal Guide" may help establish. However, defense attorneys might argue that Demarco never took a direct step toward violence or that his actions constitute harassment rather than attempted murder.
The broader implications of this case extend beyond one individual's actions. It raises questions about political rhetoric, the line between legitimate protest and criminal threats, and how law enforcement should handle cases where individuals claim to be acting from political conviction. As the February 23 court date approaches, the case will likely draw attention to these complex issues while Vought continues his work at OMB under heavy security.