The Arlington County Police Department has announced the arrest of a Rockville man following a months-long investigation into an alleged attempted murder plot targeting a senior federal official in Northern Virginia.
Police say Colin Demarco, 26, of Rockville, Maryland, is charged with attempted murder, criminal solicitation to commit murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and wearing a mask in public to conceal identity. According to court documents and information cited by CBS News, the intended victim was Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought. Demarco was taken into custody at his residence on January 16, extradited to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
The investigation began after an incident at approximately 3:15pm on August 10, 2025, when Arlington County Police were dispatched to the 3800 block of 7th Street S. for a report of a suspicious person. A witness reported observing a man wearing a surgical mask and rubber gloves on the porch of the victim’s residence while carrying a backpack and appearing to conceal a firearm under his shirt.
Police say the suspect approached the witness, asked about the resident of the home, and then left the area. Responding officers established a perimeter and canvassed the neighborhood but were unable to locate the suspect at the time. The encounter was captured on home surveillance video, which later assisted investigators in identifying the suspect.
During the course of the investigation, detectives executed search warrants for digital records associated with Demarco. Police say the recovered evidence showed the suspect had obtained directions to the victim’s residence, possessed information detailing the locations of firearms owned by a relative, and had access to a guide outlining tips on avoiding criminal detection.
Investigators also allege Demarco posted online about the victim and participated in online discussions appearing to solicit others to murder the victim. According to court documents and sources familiar with the investigation cited by CBS News, Demarco allegedly expressed fears that President Donald Trump’s reelection would lead to what he described as a “fascist takeover.”
Police say the August 10 incident occurred within days of those alleged online solicitations, when Demarco allegedly arrived at the victim’s home wearing a mask and gloves and possibly concealing a firearm. Based on the totality of the evidence gathered, detectives obtained criminal warrants for Demarco’s arrest. The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or email [email protected]. Information may also be reported anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
