Maryland Man Charged with Attempted Murder of OMB Director Russ Vought

Authorities say the 26-year-old suspect targeted Vought due to his involvement in a conservative policy agenda

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 26-year-old Maryland man named Colin Demarco has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly showing up at the home of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought wearing a surgical mask and gloves. Demarco is accused of plotting to murder Vought, whom he believed was an architect of the 'fascist' Project 2025 policy agenda.

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing concerns about political violence and assassination attempts targeting conservative figures, particularly those associated with the Trump administration. It also raises questions about the role of inflammatory rhetoric from some politicians and media figures in potentially inciting such acts.

The details

According to court records, Demarco wrote a manifesto and targeted Vought as part of his opposition to Project 2025, a policy agenda developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation for the next Republican administration. During the investigation, authorities also discovered that Demarco had previously claimed to be writing a manifesto and had drafted notes about a weapons stash and 'Body Disposal Guide'.

  • On January 22, Demarco was arrested by Arlington County Police near Vought's home.
  • The attempted attack occurred just weeks after Vought assumed his role as OMB Director.

The players

Russ Vought

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who was allegedly targeted by the suspect.

Colin Demarco

A 26-year-old Maryland resident who has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly targeting Vought.

Project 2025

A policy agenda developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation for the next Republican administration, which the suspect allegedly opposed.

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What they’re saying

“So grateful OMB Director Russ Vought is safe and his would-be lunatic assassin has been arrested. 26-year-old Maryland man Colin Demarco has been charged with attempted murder charges.”

— Andrew Kolvet, Spokesman, Turning Point USA (Twitter)

“Assassination culture is alive and thriving on the American Left.”

— Saurabh Sharma (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Colin Demarco out on bail.

The takeaway

This attempted attack on a senior government official highlights the growing threat of political violence and the need for elected leaders and media figures to exercise caution in their rhetoric to avoid further inflaming tensions and potentially inciting such acts.