ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — A Rockville man who told investigators he feared “impending war and a fascist takeover” following President Donald Trump’s reelection is accused of attempted murder, after he went to the home of a presidential appointee wearing a mask and surgical gloves, according to court documents.
Colin Demarco, 26, is accused of showing up at Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought’s Arlington home, days after allegedly asking people online to carry out the attack, law enforcement sources tell ABC News.
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A criminal complaint filed by an Arlington County detective states a doorbell camera captured Demarco approaching the front door of the residence and later asking a neighbor whether the victim was home. The complaint does not name the intended victim, identifying him only as a presidential appointee protected by the U.S. Marshals Service. Law enforcement sources told ABC News the target was Vought.
The U.S. Marshals Service identified Demarco as the suspect in their own investigation, questioning him a few days later after he agreed to speak without an attorney present. Authorities said Demarco initially denied going to the home but later said he knocked on the door to ask for directions, according to the criminal complaint. The document states Demarco told investigators he had heard someone associated with Project 2025 lived there and he wanted to confront them, but did not intend to harm anyone.
Days before the visit, Demarco asked at least three people on the social media platform Discord whether they were willing to carry out violence, referencing Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, according to the criminal complaint.
In a statement to ABC News, an OMB spokesperson said, “We are grateful for the work of law enforcement in keeping Director Voght and his family safe.”
Experts said the case reflects a broader trend of political violence being encouraged in online communities.
“It’s another reminder that the ways in which political violence is getting expressed now, is it’s flowing more and more on all sides,” said Matt Dallek, PhD, a professor at George Washington University. “It’s not necessarily limited to one particular movement. That makes it an even bigger problem, because political violence has become more endemic in recent years.”
Demarco is being held without bail. The 30-page criminal complaint outlines additional allegations, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
