A man in his early 20s was shot and killed early Sunday after allegedly trying to enter the security perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, the private club owned by President Trump.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin. Officials said he had previously been reported missing by his family and had not been seen since February 21.
The Incident
According to the United States Secret Service, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said two Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to the north gate of the property after security personnel reported that a person had entered an inner secure perimeter.
When officers arrived at the north gate entrance, they confronted a white male carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a gasoline can.
Bradshaw said the suspect was ordered to drop both items. According to officials, he placed the gasoline can on the ground but raised the shotgun into what authorities described as a firing position.
At that point, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents opened fire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the encounter. Officials said they were unable to immediately confirm whether the shotgun was loaded.
Identity and Background
Later Sunday, authorities identified the man as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, of North Carolina.
The Secret Service said Martin had been reported missing by his family several days before the incident. Investigators believe he traveled south from North Carolina and may have obtained the shotgun along the way.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the box for the firearm was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle. Officials said Martin drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago as another vehicle was exiting the property before being confronted by law enforcement.
Investigators are now working to determine a motive and compile a psychological profile as part of the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. Brett Skiles, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami field office, said the bureau’s evidence response team is processing the scene and collecting evidence.
Skiles said authorities will continue working the scene for as long as necessary. Residents who live near the resort on Palm Beach island have been asked to review any exterior surveillance footage from Saturday night or early Sunday morning and report anything suspicious.
In accordance with agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Location and Security Context
The shooting took place just inside the main entrance gate on South Ocean Boulevard. The north gate opens onto a driveway leading directly to the resort’s main building. The Trump family’s private quarters are located in a separate building on the property.
Although Trump frequently spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago during the winter season, he was at the White House in Washington at the time of the incident. First Lady Melania Trump was also in Washington.
Mar-a-Lago operates as both a private members’ club and the president’s seasonal residence. The property regularly hosts political events and gatherings.
Trump has faced multiple security threats in recent years. In July 2024, he was wounded during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In September 2024, another armed suspect was arrested near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach and was later sentenced to life in prison.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Authorities say the investigation into Sunday’s shooting remains active, and additional details may be released as they become available.
