Man Fatally Shot by Law Enforcement at Mar-a-Lago

Incident occurred at former President Trump's Florida resort early Sunday morning

Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A man in his early 20s was fatally shot 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. on Sunday. Two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy responded to the incident, where the man was seen carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. The man was ordered to drop the items, but instead raised the shotgun to a shooting position, prompting the law enforcement officials to open fire and neutralize the threat. The incident is under investigation by the FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting at Mar-a-Lago, a property owned by former President Trump, raises concerns about security at high-profile political figures' residences and the use of lethal force by law enforcement. It also comes amid ongoing tensions between the Secret Service, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, and the federal government over funding and immigration enforcement measures.

The details

According to authorities, the unidentified man in his early 20s was seen by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property 'carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.' When ordered to drop the items, he put down the gas can but raised the shotgun to a shooting position, prompting the two Secret Service agents and Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy to open fire and kill him. The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, working closely with the Secret Service and local law enforcement.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Former President Trump was in Washington, D.C. at the time and not present at Mar-a-Lago.

The players

Anthony Guglielmi

Secret Service chief of communications.

Ric L. Bradshaw

Palm Beach County Sheriff.

Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary.

Kash Patel

FBI Director.

Matthew Quinn

Secret Service Deputy Director.

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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.”

— Ric L. Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff

“The FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation and will continue working closely with the Secret Service, state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director

What’s next

The FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office will continue their investigation into the fatal shooting, including determining which law enforcement official fired the fatal shots. The Secret Service agents involved have been placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures and the potential for lethal force to be used, even at private residences. It also underscores the tensions between federal law enforcement agencies and the government over funding and policy priorities.