Armed Man Shot Dead After Attempting to Breach Mar-a-Lago Security

An armed man was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service agents after attempting to unlawfully enter a secure perimeter at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning. President Trump was not present at the resort at the time of the incident, having spent Saturday night at the White House hosting state governors according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Local time when the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, entered the “secure perimeter” of the Mar-a-Lago estate as reported by the Secret Service. Martin was carrying a shotgun and a gas canister.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy confronted Martin and ordered him to drop the items. After putting down the gas canister, Martin allegedly raised the shotgun “to a shooting position,” prompting law enforcement to open fire according to Reuters. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the confrontation.

Investigation and Response

The FBI has taken over the investigation and is collecting evidence from the scene as stated by the Associated Press. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the agency is “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation .

Martin had been reported missing from his home in North Carolina on Saturday by his family .

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the suspect as a “crazy person” and praised the Secret Service for their swift action .

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated he spoke with President Trump following the incident and thanked the Secret Service for their protection .

Previous Security Incidents

This incident comes after President Trump faced two previous assassination attempts in 2024, including one at his golf course in West Palm Beach. In 2025, Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and conservative activist Charlie Kirk were both assassinated .