Armed Intruder Shot Dead at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Estate in Florida
In a dramatic early morning incident, a man was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after attempting to unlawfully enter the perimeter of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities confirmed the event occurred around 1:30 AM local time on Sunday, February 22, 2026, when the suspect was spotted at the north gate of the estate.
Details of the Incident and Suspect Identification
The suspect, identified by US media as Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, was reported missing by his family just days prior to the incident. According to officials, Martin was seen carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. He managed to drive through the north gate as another vehicle was exiting, gaining access to the inner perimeter of the property.
Rick Bradshaw, the sheriff of Palm Beach County, stated that upon being confronted by a deputy and two Secret Service agents, Martin raised his shotgun to a shooting position. In response, the agents "fired their weapons and neutralised the threat", resulting in his death. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi added that investigators believe Martin left North Carolina and acquired the shotgun along the way, with the gun's box later recovered from his vehicle.
Family Background and Political Context
Despite the suspect's actions, his cousin, Braeden Fields, described Martin as a "good kid" from a family of Trump supporters, noting he was quiet and did not discuss politics. Fields expressed shock, stating that Martin regularly donated part of his paycheck from a local golf course job to charity. At the time of the incident, Donald Trump was at the White House with his wife Melania, avoiding any direct threat.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the Secret Service for acting "quickly and decisively to neutralise a crazy person" and criticized Democrats for blocking a Department of Homeland Security funding package, which includes the Secret Service, over immigration disputes. This political tension follows recent events, including a Georgia gunman arrested near the US Capitol and past assassination attempts on Trump.
Investigation and Broader Implications
The FBI has requested residents near Mar-a-Lago to review security camera footage to aid the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to compile a psychological profile of Martin, with the motive still under scrutiny. This incident adds to a series of security breaches involving Trump properties, highlighting ongoing threats and the critical role of federal law enforcement in protecting high-profile figures.
