PALM BEACH, FL — In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, the United States Secret Service (USSS) and local law enforcement fatally shot an armed intruder who breached the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, the private residence and resort of President Donald Trump.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., has reignited national concerns over the safety of the President and the recurring threat of political violence. According to official statements, the suspect—identified by sources as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina—successfully bypassed the resort’s north gate before being confronted by a joint force of federal agents and local deputies.
The Breach and Confrontation
According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the suspect gained entry to the secure grounds by driving through the north gate just as another vehicle was exiting the property. This “tailgating” maneuver allowed him to bypass the primary exterior checkpoints.
Once inside the internal perimeter, Martin was observed by security personnel. He was reportedly on foot, carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. Two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy immediately moved to intercept him.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed the final moments of the encounter during a press briefing. “He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him,” Bradshaw stated. “At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.”
Faced with a direct lethal threat, the two Secret Service agents and the sheriff’s deputy opened fire, neutralizing the suspect. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel or resort staff were injured during the exchange.
Background of the Suspect
Initial investigations reveal that Martin had been reported missing by his family in North Carolina just days prior to the incident. Authorities believe he traveled south, specifically toward Florida, allegedly acquiring the shotgun during his journey. A gun box matching the weapon was later recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, which remained parked near the point of entry.
The FBI has joined the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in a comprehensive investigation. Federal agents are currently working to build a psychological profile of Martin to determine a motive. At this stage, it is unclear if the suspect was acting alone or if he was affiliated with any extremist groups.
President’s Location
At the time of the breach, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not at the Florida resort. Both were in residence at the White House in Washington, D.C. Despite the President’s absence, the Secret Service maintains a permanent, high-security presence at Mar-a-Lago, which serves as a primary hub for his political and personal activity.
A Pattern of Violence
This fatal shooting is the latest in a series of high-profile security incidents involving the President. In 2024, Trump survived two distinct assassination attempts—one at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and another at his West Palm Beach golf course. The latter involved Ryan Routh, who was sentenced to life in prison just earlier this month.
The Mar-a-Lago incident also follows a turbulent year of political violence in the United States, including the recent assassinations of several political activists and state-level lawmakers.
Ongoing Investigation
In accordance with standard protocol, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal use-of-force investigation. The FBI has requested that residents near the Mar-a-Lago estate review any private security or doorbell camera footage from the early morning hours that might help track the suspect’s movements prior to the breach.
The White House has yet to release a formal statement, referring all inquiries to the Department of Justice and the Secret Service.
Sources and Links
- AP News: Armed man shot and killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago
- Hindustan Times: Mar-a-Lago shooting motive: Suspect details out
- Florida Politics: Secret Service killed armed man who entered Mar-a-Lago
- CBC News: Secret Service says agents killed man at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
- Jerusalem Post: Florida man killed after trespassing at Mar-a-Lago
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