A Maryland man who told federal agents he feared a “fascist takeover” by President Trump has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly showed up at the home of White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought armed with a gun.
Colin Demarco, 26, was charged last month with attempted murder, criminal solicitation to commit murder, carrying a concealed weapon and wearing a mask in public to conceal identity, stemming from the Aug 10, 2025, incident, according to the Arlington County Police Department.
He is being held without bond and is due to appear in court on Feb. 23.
Police were dispatched to Vought’s Northern Virginia neighborhood after a witness reported a “suspicious person” on the OMB director’s porch wearing “a surgical mask and rubber gloves, carrying a backpack” and who “appeared to be concealing a firearm under his shirt.”
“The suspect subsequently approached the witness and inquired about the victim before leaving the scene,” Arlington County police said.
The incident was captured on home surveillance video which allowed authorities to identify Demarco as the suspect.
“We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Vought and his family safe,” an OMB spokesperson told The Post.
Demarco’s arrest and the criminal complaint filed against him were first-reported by CBS News.
The case was investigated by the agents with the US Marshals Service, who spoke to Demarco before his arrest and said he told them he admired Luigi Mangione – the accused killer of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson – and that he was distraught by Trump’s 2024 election win, according to the outlet.
Demarco admitted to traveling from Rockville, Md., to Vought’s home in Arlington, Va., but denied carrying a gun or intending to harm him, authorities said.
He claimed he wanted to confront OMB chief about Project 2025 – a prospective policy agenda co-authored by Vought when he worked at the conservative Heritage Foundation.
Demarco also told agents that Trump’s victory on election night was “the lowest point in his life” and that he feared “impending war and a fascist takeover,” according to a criminal complaint.
The US Marshals Service also discovered disturbing writings allegedly made by Demarco on his iCloud and Discord accounts.
“The more Trump does s–t like this, the more I wanna grab a gun and try to shoot him,” Demarco allegedly wrote in one Discord message.
“… I am at my wits’ end and this might be the final straw. I want to get a gun, head to DC and kill him,” the message continued.
In a message discussing Vought, Demarco allegedly wrote: “I found this guy’s address … are you willing to put your livelihood on the line and seek out the guy’s home to Luigi him?”
Demarco’s notes app contained memos titled, “Dad’s Gun Stash” and “Body Disposal Guide,” according to authorities.
The complaint further stated that Demarco suffered a mental breakdown in November 2024 – after Trump’s election win – and was taken into custody after he asked a police officer to run him over or shoot him.
“Demarco stated he wanted to die due to Trump being elected as president,” the complaint read. “Demarco advised that he had created a manifesto and that once it was completed he would kill people.”
