Armed Intruder Shot at Mar-a-Lago, Trump Reflects on Ongoing Threats

Former president says 'a lot of people gunning' for him after weekend shooting at his Florida residence

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump publicly addressed the weekend shooting of an armed intruder at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, reflecting on the ongoing threats he faces and telling supporters, "Got a lot of people gunning for me, don't I?" The 21-year-old suspect from North Carolina was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after allegedly breaching the property's perimeter with a rifle and gas can. Trump was not at the residence at the time, but acknowledged the reality of the dangers surrounding him, saying "I don't know how long I'll be around."

Why it matters

This incident highlights the continued security concerns and threats facing former President Trump, who has survived multiple assassination attempts in recent years. It also raises questions about the security measures in place at Mar-a-Lago and the broader challenges of protecting high-profile political figures.

The details

According to authorities, the 21-year-old suspect, identified as Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, was discovered around 1:30 a.m. Sunday carrying a rifle and a gas can. He was ordered to drop the equipment, but instead raised the rifle to a shooting position, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire and "neutralize the threat."

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time, as he and the first lady had hosted a governors' dinner at the White House the previous evening.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has faced ongoing security threats and assassination attempts.

Austin Tucker Martin

A 21-year-old man from Cameron, North Carolina, who was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after allegedly breaching the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago with a rifle and gas can.

Ric Bradshaw

The Palm Beach County Sheriff who provided details about the incident during a press conference.

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What they’re saying

“Got a lot of people gunning for me, don't I?”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“They were ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with them, at which time he put down the gas can and raised the shotgun to a shooting position.”

— Ric Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the motive and background of the suspect, Austin Tucker Martin, to determine if he had any connections or affiliations that may have contributed to the incident.

The takeaway

This shooting at Mar-a-Lago underscores the ongoing security challenges and threats facing former President Trump, who has been the target of multiple assassination attempts in recent years. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and robust security measures to protect high-profile political figures, even after they have left office.