Mar-a-Lago Shooting: A 21-year-old North Carolina man armed with a shotgun and a fuel can was shot and killed by law enforcement early Sunday morning after breaching the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The suspect, identified as Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, was confronted and fatally wounded by two U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy around 1:30 a.m. EST.
Who Was the Man Shot at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Residence?
The individual fatally shot by law enforcement at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from Cameron, North Carolina . According to multiple law enforcement sources and the Associated Press, Martin was in his early 20s and had been reported missing by his family less than six hours before the incident, at approximately 7:51 p.m. on Saturday evening . Investigators believe Martin left North Carolina and traveled south, potentially acquiring the shotgun during his journey. Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that the box for the weapon was recovered from Martin’s vehicle following the shooting .
What Happened During the Mar-a-Lago Security Breach?
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. EST on Sunday, Feb. 22, near the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach . According to authorities, Martin gained access to the secure inner perimeter by driving through the north gate as another vehicle was exiting the premises . He was observed carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a red fuel can. Two U.S. Secret Service agents and one Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy confronted Martin at the scene. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed the confrontation during a press conference, stating that officers issued clear commands: “The only words that we said to him was ‘drop the items’ which means the gas can and the shotgun” . Bradshaw explained that Martin complied partially, putting down the fuel can, but then “raised the shotgun to a shooting position” . At that moment, the three officers fired their weapons to “neutralize the threat” . Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the exchange .
Who Shot Austin Tucker Martin?
Two U.S. Secret Service agents and one Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy fired their weapons to neutralize the threat. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated they acted after Martin elevated the shotgun toward them. Specific names of the agents and deputy remain unreleased.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt praised the response on X: “In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home.”
Where Were President Trump and First Lady Melania During the Incident?
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not in Florida at the time of the shooting. Both were confirmed to be at the White House in Washington, D.C., attending a dinner with the nation’s governors . While the president frequently spends weekends at his Mar-a-Lago estate, often referred to as the “Winter White House,” his schedule placed him in the nation’s capital throughout the weekend . The Secret Service emphasized this point in their initial statements, clarifying that the president was never in danger due to his location
Why Was Mar-a-Lago Targeted?
Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s Winter White House and exclusive members club, hosting world leaders and events. Guests access most areas, but the Trump family’s private zone stays secured. The north gate opens to a public oceanfront road.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized ongoing collaboration for updates. No injuries occurred beyond Martin, pronounced dead on site. Authorities requested nearby security footage to aid the investigation.
Key Incident Facts:
- Suspect: Austin Tucker Martin, 21, Cameron, NC; reported missing Feb. 21 evening.
- Time: 1:30 a.m. EST, Feb. 22, 2026.
- Weapons: Shotgun, fuel can; shotgun box in vehicle.
- Shooters: 2 Secret Service agents, 1 Palm Beach deputy.
- Trump location: White House, DC.
FAQs
Q: Who was Austin Tucker Martin?
A: 21-year-old from Cameron, North Carolina; family reported him missing hours before the Feb. 22 breach.
Q: What did Martin carry at Mar-a-Lago?
A: Shotgun and fuel can; dropped fuel can but raised shotgun.
Q: Who fired shots at the intruder?
A: Two U.S. Secret Service agents and one Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy.
Q: Where was President Trump during the incident?
A: At the White House with First Lady Melania Trump.
