type: timeline_event
Arlington County Police arrested Colin Demarco, 26, on charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree solicitation to commit murder, wearing a mask in certain places, and carrying a concealed firearm after he appeared at OMB Director Russell Vought's Northern Virginia home on August 10, 2025. Witnesses reported Demarco wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves, appearing to conceal a firearm under his shirt, looking through Vought's mailbox, and asking neighbors if anyone was home. Vought was not home at the time.
Arlington County Police recovered digital evidence showing Demarco had obtained directions to Vought's residence, accessed information about firearms possessed by a relative, and possessed a guide detailing tips to prevent criminal detection. Police found that Demarco had posted online about Vought and engaged in online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder him, with Discord messages asking "Are you willing to put your livelihood on the line and seek out the guy's home to Luigi him?" in apparent reference to Luigi Mangione. Demarco appeared at Vought's home within days of the online conversations.
Demarco told federal agents that President Trump's 2024 election victory was the "lowest point in his life" and that the Trump administration would lead to a "fascist takeover." He stated he went to Vought's home to confront him about Project 2025, denying having a gun or intent to harm anyone. Court records showed Demarco had previously been detained under a mental health emergency petition in Maryland in November 2024, when he told officers he wanted to die following Trump's reelection and claimed to be writing a manifesto. Vought had generated intense controversy as the architect of Schedule F and for stating in private speeches he wanted to put career civil servants "in trauma" through mass firings. He is being held without bond with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 23.