- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Armed Intruder Fatally Shot by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago
Authorities say the suspect was carrying a shotgun and gas can when confronted by officers.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:00pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after entering the restricted grounds of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. According to the U.S. Secret Service, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the north gate of the property. Authorities said security personnel detected an individual moving inside the secure perimeter and dispatched two Secret Service agents along with a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy to investigate.
Why it matters
The breach of security at Mar-a-Lago, a property owned by a former president, raises concerns about the safety and vulnerability of high-profile political figures and their residences. This incident also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting sensitive locations and the potential risks posed by armed intruders.
The details
When confronted, the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Austin T. Martin of North Carolina, was carrying a shotgun and a gas can. He was ordered to drop the items, but instead lifted the shotgun into a firing position, prompting the Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy to open fire, fatally shooting the intruder. No officers were injured in the incident.
- The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
- The suspect was reported missing by his family a day earlier.
The players
U.S. Secret Service
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and other high-profile government officials, as well as securing their residences.
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.
Austin T. Martin
A 21-year-old man from North Carolina who was fatally shot by law enforcement after breaching the security perimeter at Mar-a-Lago.
What’s next
The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Authorities are examining the suspect's recent travel from North Carolina to Florida and whether he acquired the shotgun along the way. They are also reviewing any exterior surveillance footage from the area for additional information.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting high-profile individuals and their residences, even with the presence of extensive security measures. It underscores the need for vigilance and the importance of law enforcement's quick and decisive response to neutralize potential threats.
