WASHINGTON \u2014 An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump\u2019s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, before being shot and killed early Sunday morning, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service.<\/p>\n
Although Trump often spends weekends at his resort, he was at the White House when the breach occurred around 1:30 a.m.<\/p>\n
The man had a gas can and a shotgun, authorities said. Investigators identified him as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, according to the FBI, and authorities said his family had recently reported him missing.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s believed to have purchased his shotgun while driving south, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said, and a box for the weapon was later discovered in the man\u2019s vehicle.<\/p>\n
Investigators have not identified a motive. However, Trump has faced threats to his life before, including two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign.<\/p>\n
An armed man was shot & killed by U.S. Secret Service agents & @PBCountySheriff<\/a> after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning. A press briefing with additional details will be held at 9:00 a.m with @FBI<\/a> and Palm Beach County. pic.twitter.com\/jAXhdb1xEL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The investigation is ongoing<\/p>\n The man entered the north gate of the property as another vehicle was exiting and was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff\u2019s deputy, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him. At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,\u201d Bradshaw said at a brief press conference. The two agents and the deputy \u201cfired their weapons to neutralize the threat.\u201d<\/p>\n The Moore County Sheriff\u2019s Department in North Carolina said a relative of Martin\u2019s reported him missing early Sunday morning.<\/p>\n Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile. Asked whether the man was previously known to law enforcement, Bradshaw said \u201cnot right now.\u201d<\/p>\n The FBI encouraged residents who live near Mar-a-Lago to check any security cameras they may have for footage that could help investigators.<\/p>\n In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau would be \u201cdedicating all necessary resources\u201d to the investigation.<\/p>\n FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning\u2019s incident at President Trump\u2019s Mar-A-Lago – where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working closely with @SecretService<\/a> as well our\u2026<\/p>\n