PALM BEACH, Florida – An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after entering a restricted area at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s private club and home in Palm Beach, Florida. U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy fired after the man reportedly lifted a shotgun toward officers.
The shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. on February 22, 2026, near the property’s north gate, after the suspect crossed into a secured zone without permission. Authorities said Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time. He was in Washington, D.C. No one else was hurt.
What Happened at Mar-a-Lago
- Suspect identification: Officials identified the man as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, from the Cameron area (also described as the Carthage area) of North Carolina. Investigators confirmed his name using his driver’s license and other records.
- Items observed: Officers said Martin carried what looked like a shotgun and a fuel can (also described as a gas canister).
- Timeline of events:
- First, the suspect drove into the secured perimeter as another vehicle was leaving.
- Next, two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy confronted him.
- Officers told him to drop what he was holding.
- He put down the fuel can, then raised the shotgun into a firing position.
- At that point, law enforcement opened fire. He died at the scene.
- Officers unharmed: The agents and deputy were not injured.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw shared the details at a Sunday morning news conference. He described the suspect as a white man in his early 20s who made it to the “inner perimeter” before officers stopped him.
In a separate statement, the U.S. Secret Service said personnel saw the man near the north gate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Communications chief Anthony Guglielmi credited the quick response to the unlawful entry and said agents moved fast to end the threat.
Investigation and What’s Known About the Suspect
Federal and local investigators, including the FBI, are working to determine why the suspect entered the property and what he planned to do. Reports also say Martin’s family had recently reported him missing, which investigators are reviewing as part of the timeline.
So far, authorities have not released evidence that the breach was tied to a direct threat against the president. Still, the combination of a firearm and a fuel can has raised alarms. Investigators are also looking into Martin’s travel from North Carolina and whether anyone helped him plan or prepare.
The case comes during a period of increased attention to security around Trump after earlier incidents, including assassination attempts in 2024. Mar-a-Lago is considered one of the most heavily protected private properties in the country, with Secret Service procedures layered across gates, patrols, and monitoring systems.
President Trump’s Status and Response
By Sunday afternoon, President Trump had not made a public statement about the Mar-a-Lago incident, according to reports from outlets including The New York Times and the Associated Press. White House officials said he was briefed while in Washington, D.C.
In past security situations, Trump has spoken positively about Secret Service performance and training. For now, no direct comments from Trump on this shooting were available at the time of reporting. More information may follow once the White House issues a formal response.
Why the Mar-a-Lago Breach Matters
- Security at presidential properties: Mar-a-Lago has multiple layers of protection because it remains a frequent destination connected to Trump.
- Concerns about political violence: The shooting highlights ongoing risks in a tense political climate, similar to prior threats involving Trump.
- Public reaction: Early reports quickly spread online, leading to debate about the suspect’s intent and how the Secret Service handled the Mar-a-Lago breach.
Authorities say the investigation is still active. Since the suspect died at the scene, no charges will be filed in this case.
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