Mar-a-Lago Shooting: Armed man breaches Mar-a-Lago perimeter at 1:30 a.m., shot dead by Secret Service, Trump and Melania were in Washington.
A security perimeter at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach stands guarded after an armed intruder was shot and killed early Sunday (Photo: X)
Mar-a-Lago Shooting Breech: A dramatic security incident at Mar-a-Lago culminated in gunfire early Sunday morning, leaving new concerns about the potential threats to former President Donald Trump. According to federal officials, a young gunman with what looked like a shotgun tried to gain access to a secured area of the Palm Beach property and moments later, Secret Service agents and a county deputy began firing. The gunman was pronounced dead at the scene and no law enforcement officers were hurt, nor were any protectees in the area.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. near the North Gate of Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach. According to reports, a car pulled in while another car was leaving the premises. Perimeter observers on the ground immediately noticed the security breach. Mar-a-Lago, a private club and dwelling, is protected 24/7 by the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement.
According to law enforcement sources, the driver entered a restricted zone, prompting an armed reaction from the start and gunfire erupted moments later. The skirmish was brief, but it touched off a massive investigation among multiple agencies.
According to authorities, the individual was observed with what appeared to be a shotgun and a gas can. The police told him to put down the objects and he did put down the gas can, but then, according to investigators, he raised the shotgun as if to shoot. In reaction to this, agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy began shooting. The Secret Service has confirmed that the individuals involved in the shooting have been put on routine administrative leave.
The authorities have described the suspect as a man in his early 20s and the suspect’s name has not been made public while the family members are being informed. Preliminary results suggest a possible trip from North Carolina. A gun box has been found in the suspect’s car and his activities and communications are being analyzed for a possible motive. The FBI is assisting in the analysis of digital and forensic evidence.
Trump was in Washington, D.C. at the time of the breach, having just attended the annual Governor’s Dinner at the White House. It was made clear that none of the Secret Service protectees were on the grounds of Mar-a-Lago at the time of the breach. The former president has been threatened on several occasions in recent years, including an injury at a 2024 campaign rally and an armed arrest near one of his golf courses in Florida.
Melania Trump was also in Washington during the incident and she attended the same White House event alongside her husband, according to officials.
1. What happened at Mar-a-Lago?
An armed man entered a restricted area near the north gate of the estate around 1:30 a.m. and was shot by Secret Service agents and a local deputy.
2. Was anyone else injured in the incident?
No. Authorities confirmed that no law enforcement personnel or protectees were harmed during the encounter.
3. Was Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago at the time?
No. Officials said he was in Washington, D.C., when the security breach occurred.
4. What was the suspect carrying?
Investigators said the man appeared to have a shotgun and a fuel can when he crossed into the secure perimeter.
5. Who is investigating the shooting?
The Secret Service, the FBI, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are reviewing the circumstances, including the suspect’s background and the use of force.
