Shotgun-wielding Man Killed by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago

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A 21-year-old man from North Carolina was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after he was seen stalking onto the property armed with a shotgun and a gas canister. The man, identified as Austin Tucker Martin, had previously lost his older sister Caitlin in a tragic head-on car crash in 2023.

Why it matters

The incident at Mar-a-Lago raises concerns about security at the former president's private club and the mental health challenges facing the Martin family after the loss of their daughter. It also comes just a few years after another attempted attack on Trump at the same location.

The details

According to authorities, Austin Tucker Martin was reported missing by his family on Saturday. Early Sunday morning, he was spotted sneaking into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago armed with a shotgun and a gas can. When ordered to drop the weapon, Martin reportedly raised the shotgun to a shooting position, prompting Secret Service and local police to open fire and kill him. Martin's vehicle was found on the scene, and a box for the shotgun was discovered inside.

• On Saturday, Austin Tucker Martin was reported missing by his family.
• On Sunday morning, the shooting incident occurred at Mar-a-Lago.

What’s next

Authorities have urged nearby residents in South Florida to check their security cameras for any footage that may show Austin Tucker Martin before the incident.