A 21-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday after breaching security at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home and private club of President Donald Trump. Authorities have since identified the suspect.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET. At the time, Trump was in Washington, D.C., at the White House with First Lady Melania Trump.
During a morning press conference, Ric Bradshaw, sheriff of Palm Beach County, said a security alert was triggered after someone entered the property. Two U.S. Secret Service agents and one sheriff’s deputy responded to the north gate, where they encountered a white male carrying a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
“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.”
Bradshaw confirmed that none of the officers were injured. Authorities said it remains unclear whether the shotgun was loaded. A photo of the firearm and fuel canister was later shared with reporters.
Later Sunday, the Associated Press reported that investigators identified the suspect as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, citing a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the United States Secret Service said the man was in his early 20s and from North Carolina. His family had reportedly filed a missing persons report days earlier.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believe the man traveled from North Carolina and obtained the shotgun along the way. The firearm’s box was reportedly found inside his vehicle.
Mar-a-Lago serves as both Trump’s private residence and a members-only club that frequently hosts political events and high-profile guests. Trump’s private living quarters are located in a separate building on the property.
The White House later issued a statement praising law enforcement’s response and said federal agencies are “fully engaged” in reviewing the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it is conducting a full review of the suspect’s background, movements, and digital footprint.
Sheriff Bradshaw said there is currently no evidence indicating the suspect intended to target a specific individual. The investigation remains ongoing.
