Armed Intruder Shot Dead After Breaking Into Mar-a-Lago
An armed man was shot and killed after entering the secured grounds of Mar-a-Lago early Sunday morning, according to the United States Secret Service. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. at President Donald Trump’s Florida residence and private club. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington at the time.
Authorities said the man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, drove through the north gate of the property as another vehicle was leaving. He was carrying a shotgun and a gasoline can when confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy.
At a press conference, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw described the moments before shots were fired.
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can [and] raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” Bradshaw said. “At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat. He is deceased at the scene.”
No officers were injured. It remains unclear whether the shotgun was loaded. Officials said body camera footage captured the encounter.
The FBI is now leading the investigation and working to determine a motive. Agents are piecing together Martin’s movements after his family reported him missing in North Carolina earlier that morning. Investigators believe he traveled south and may have purchased the shotgun along the way. The weapon’s box was later found in his vehicle. FBI officials have asked residents near the Palm Beach estate to review security footage from Saturday night and early Sunday for anything unusual.
Martin’s relatives and friends reacted with shock. His cousin, Braeden Fields, said: “He’s a good kid.” He added: “I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing.” Fields said Martin worked at a golf course, donated to charity and did not talk much about politics.
The breach comes after several threats and attacks targeting Trump in recent years. During the 2024 campaign, he survived a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a separate attempt near his golf course in West Palm Beach. In the latter case, the suspect, Ryan Routh, was later sentenced to life in prison.
Security at Mar-a-Lago is typically tight, with local deputies controlling the outer perimeter and Secret Service agents guarding the inner grounds. The property has long served as Trump’s winter base and regularly hosts political events and high-profile guests.
The White House referred questions to law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
