Man Fatally Shot by Law Enforcement at Trump's Mar-a-Lago in Florida

The incident occurred early Sunday morning at the former president's resort in Palm Beach.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A man in his early 20s was shot and killed by law enforcement personnel at former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning. The man was seen carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can and was ordered to drop the items, but instead raised the shotgun to a shooting position, prompting Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy to open fire and neutralize the threat.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting at Mar-a-Lago raises concerns about security at the former president's private resort 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 Biden administration over immigration enforcement measures.

The details

According to authorities, the man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina, unlawfully entered the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago around 1:30 a.m. local time. Two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy responded to the incident, and shots were fired by law enforcement officials. It is unclear whether a Secret Service agent or the sheriff's deputy fatally shot the man.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The FBI informed the man's next of kin later on Sunday.

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 of the incident at Mar-a-Lago. We will continue working closely with our 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 are investigating the fatal shooting, with the FBI leading the probe. Secret Service agents involved in the incident have been placed on routine administrative leave.

The takeaway

The shooting at Mar-a-Lago highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting high-profile individuals and properties, particularly in the current political climate. It also raises questions about the use of lethal force and the coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies.