Armed Man Shot and Killed After Entering Mar-a-Lago Perimeter

Secret Service says the intruder was armed with a shotgun and gas can

Feb. 22, 2026 at 10:25pm

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An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida, before being shot and killed by Secret Service agents early Sunday morning. The man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was reported missing by his family a few days prior and was carrying a shotgun and gas can when he entered the property.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about security at Mar-a-Lago, which has faced threats to the former president's life in the past. It also highlights the challenges of protecting high-profile individuals and properties, especially those with a history of being targeted.

The details

According to authorities, the man entered the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property as another vehicle was exiting. He was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy, who ordered him to drop the shotgun and gas can. When he raised the shotgun to a shooting position, the agents and deputy opened fire, killing the intruder.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The man had been reported missing by his family a few days prior to the incident.

The players

Austin Tucker Martin

A 21-year-old man from North Carolina who was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago.

Donald Trump

The former president whose resort in Palm Beach, Florida, was the site of the incident.

U.S. Secret Service

The federal agency responsible for protecting the president and other high-profile individuals, which was involved in the shooting incident at Mar-a-Lago.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the Secret Service in responding to the incident at Mar-a-Lago.

Kash Patel

The FBI director who said the bureau would be dedicating all necessary resources to the investigation of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“He 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.”

— Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff

“We must dedicate all necessary resources to this investigation.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

What’s next

The FBI has asked residents near Mar-a-Lago to check any security camera footage that could help investigators determine the full details of the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile individuals and properties, and the need for vigilance in protecting against potential threats, even at well-secured locations like Mar-a-Lago.