Man Fatally Shot by Law Enforcement at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach

Incident occurred early Sunday morning as the president was in Washington, D.C.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A man in his early 20s was shot and killed by law enforcement personnel after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter of former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, around 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. Two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to the incident, where shots were fired by law enforcement officials.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting at Mar-a-Lago, a property owned by the former president, raises questions about security protocols and the use of force by law enforcement at high-profile residences. It also comes as the Secret Service continues to face scrutiny over its handling of security threats.

The details

According to authorities, the man was seen carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. He was ordered to drop the items, at which point he raised the shotgun to a shooting position, prompting the deputy and two Secret Service agents to open fire and 'neutralize the threat.' No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The president was in Washington, D.C. at the time, but often spends weekends at the Florida resort.

The players

Anthony Guglielmi

Secret Service chief of communications.

Ric L. Bradshaw

Palm Beach County Sheriff.

Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can and raised the shotgun to a shooting position. At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.”

— Ric L. Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff

What’s next

The FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are investigating the fatal shooting. Secret Service agents involved in the incident have been placed on routine administrative leave.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement at high-profile residences, especially those associated with former presidents. It also raises questions about the use of force and the need for continued vigilance in protecting public figures and their properties.