Austin Tucker Martin: Details Emerge After Mar-a-Lago Shooting

A 21-year-traditional man from North Carolina, identified as Austin Tucker Martin, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents after breaching the perimeter of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Local time, as Martin attempted to enter the property armed with a shotgun and a gas can.

Timeline of Events

According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, Martin entered the secure area near the north gate even as a vehicle was exiting Newsweek. He was immediately confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy. Law enforcement officials ordered Martin to drop his weapon, and after he raised the shotgun into a shooting position, agents and the deputy opened fire, resulting in his death at the scene Palm Beach Post.

Missing Person Report and Background

Simultaneously, Martin’s family reported him missing to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina. A relative contacted authorities on Saturday, February 21, 2026, stating they could not locate him. He was entered into the national database of missing persons The Week. Authorities confirmed Martin had no prior criminal record.

Investigators determined Martin traveled from North Carolina to Florida on Saturday afternoon, bringing a shotgun with him. The weapon’s holster was discovered in his vehicle, a silver 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan, found near the scene.

Family and Personal Life

Austin Tucker Martin was a 2023 graduate of Union Pines High School. He founded Fresh Sky Illustrations in June 2025, a small company specializing in golf course drawings Novel York Times. He as well worked at a local golf course and donated a portion of his earnings to charity.

His cousin, Braeden Fields, described him as a quiet young man from a family with “strong Trump supporters,” but noted Martin did not openly express strong political views. Fields stated Martin was “a solid boy” who “wouldn’t hurt a fly” and was reportedly afraid of guns Newsweek.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to investigate Martin’s motivations and whether he acted alone, including analyzing his online presence. The incident follows previous attempts on President Trump’s life, including a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024 and an incident involving a rifle near his golf course in West Palm Beach in September 2024 Newsweek. The country has also seen recent political violence, including the assassinations of Minnesota Democrat state Representative Melissa Hortman and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Key Takeaways

• Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at Mar-a-Lago.
• Martin was armed with a shotgun and a gas can.
• He was reported missing by his family in North Carolina prior to the incident.
• The incident is under investigation to determine Martin’s motivations.