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

Incident occurred while former President Trump was not present at the Florida resort

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:24pm

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The U.S. Secret Service announced that an armed man was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred early Sunday morning while Trump was at the White House with First Lady Melania Trump.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a series of security breaches and assassination attempts targeting former President Trump, raising concerns about the safety of public figures and the need for robust security measures at high-profile locations.

The details

According to the Secret Service, the armed man, who was in his early 20s and from North Carolina, was observed carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can as he entered the Mar-a-Lago property through the north gate. He was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy, and was fatally shot. Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile and determine the motive for the incident.

  • The incident occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

U.S. Secret Service

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials, as well as securing the perimeter of the President's residences.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who often spends weekends at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

Melania Trump

The former First Lady of the United States, who was with the former President at the White House during this incident.

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What they’re saying

“The incident took place at 1:30 a.m. Sunday.”

— Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service spokesman

What’s next

Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile and determine the motive for the incident.

The takeaway

This security breach at Mar-a-Lago highlights the ongoing threats faced by high-profile public figures and the need for robust security measures to protect them, even after they have left office.