Armed Man Shot and Killed at Mar-a-Lago Was Apolitical, Cousin Says

21-year-old North Carolina man had no interest in politics or guns, according to relative

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 21-year-old North Carolina man who drove through a gate at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before being shot and killed was described by his cousin as someone who was never interested in politics or guns. The cousin said the man, Austin Tucker Martin, worked as a golf course groundskeeper, liked to sketch, and came from a family of Trump supporters, but rarely talked about politics and seemed afraid of firearms.

Why it matters

The incident at Mar-a-Lago raises questions about security at the former president's Florida resort and the potential threat of violence, especially given two previous assassination attempts on Trump during the 2024 campaign. The cousin's account of the shooter's background also provides insight into the possible motivations behind the attack.

The details

According to authorities, Martin drove into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday and raised a shotgun at two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff's deputy, who then opened fire to neutralize the threat. Investigators have not identified a motive. Martin was from central North Carolina, where guns and hunting are common, but his cousin said he never participated in those activities and seemed afraid of firearms.

  • The incident occurred early Sunday morning at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
  • Martin was shot and killed during the incident.

The players

Austin Tucker Martin

A 21-year-old North Carolina man who worked as a golf course groundskeeper and liked to sketch, but was never interested in politics or guns according to his cousin.

Braeden Fields

Martin's cousin who said the two grew up together and that Martin was a non-violent person who was afraid of guns.

Donald Trump

The former president who was at the White House at the time of the incident at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

Ric Bradshaw

The Palm Beach County sheriff whose deputies were involved in the shooting to neutralize the threat posed by Martin.

Anthony Guglielmi

A Secret Service spokesperson who said investigators believe Martin bought his shotgun while driving to Florida.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't believe he would do something like this. It's mind-blowing. He wouldn't even hurt an ant. He doesn't even know how to use a gun.”

— Braeden Fields, Martin's cousin

“It's tragic. I feel for his family. It's just unfortunate what transpired. It was totally unexpected.”

— Kelly Miller, President of Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, where Martin worked

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for Martin's actions at Mar-a-Lago. The Secret Service and local law enforcement will likely review security protocols at the resort in the wake of this incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by former presidents and the potential for violence, even from seemingly unlikely sources. It also underscores the importance of understanding the mental health and backgrounds of individuals who may pose a threat, in order to prevent such incidents in the future.