BREAKING: Arrest Made In Assassination Plot Focusing on Trump Official
A Maryland resident has been arrested on attempted murder charges after he allegedly showed up at the home of a Trump cabinet official with a manifesto and intent to kill.
Colin Demarco, 26, was arrested by Arlington County Police on January 22 after he showed up at Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought’s Northern Virginia home. Vought was wearing a surgical mask and gloves at the time of his arrest, according to court documents.
According to court documents filed in Arlington County, Virginia, Demarco is accused of plotting to murder a victim identified only by the initials “R.V.” Sources familiar with the case confirmed to CBS News that “R.V.” refers to Russell Vought.
Court documents further indicate that Demarco appeared at Vought’s residence wearing a surgical mask and gloves, which authorities interpret as an attempt to conceal his identity during what they describe as reconnaissance or an initial stage of the plot. A Ring camera at the home captured footage of Demarco months prior to his arrest, providing evidence that led investigators to identify and apprehend him.
Demarco was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held pending further proceedings. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 23, 2026, where additional details the charges levied against him will likely be disclosed.
CBS News reported that Demarco is being charged with attempted murder and a number of additional felony counts in connection with the plot.
Vought delivers remarks alongside President Donald Trump on October 9, 2019
Vought, 49, previously served in President Trump’s first administration as OMB director throughout the duration of his first term in office. He was renominated and confirmed for the role in 2025 following Trump’s reelection.
Investigators have indicated that Demarco hatched the assassination plot over his views on Project 2025, a blueprint for restructuring the federal government developed by the Heritage Foundation. Democrats repeatedly attacked the Project 2025 agenda throughout the 2024 presidential election campaign, with both former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris claiming it would fundamentally reshape the nation.
President Trump stated on the campaign trail that while he shares common ground with the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 was always a wishlist for the think tank. He repeatedly distanced himself from the exact rubric, instead pointing to his Agenda 47 policy platform.
Court records reveal that Demarco stated he believed President Trump’s reelection would result in a “fascist takeover” of the country. CBS News reported that U.S. Marshals discovered that Demarco had previously claimed to be writing a manifesto and that he had also drafted a series of notes detailing everything from a weapons stash to a “Body Disposal Guide.”
The plot does not appear to have advanced beyond the initial approach to Vought’s home. No weapons were mentioned in the court filings related to the incident at the residence, and there is no indication that Demarco made direct contact with Vought while scoping out the property.
26-year-old Colin Demarco has been identified as the suspect in the assassination plot
The arrest comes amid escalating threats of political violence targeting Trump officials. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently relocated to military facilities due to threats on their own homes and families.