Armed Intruder Shot at Mar-a-Lago
An armed man was shot dead after entering the secure perimeter of former US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, according to the Secret Service.
The individual was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can when he was confronted and shot by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 01:30 ET (06:30 GMT) on Sunday morning, while the president was in Washington, DC.
Identification and Background of the Suspect
The suspect has been identified as Austin T Martin from Cameron, North Carolina, as reported by CBS, the BBC's US partner.
Martin's family had reported him missing on Saturday.
Authorities are investigating whether Martin purchased the firearm along his route from North Carolina to Florida.
Details of the Confrontation
Secret Service agents observed the suspect unlawfully entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago early Sunday morning, agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated on X.
The suspect was seen near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, the Secret Service said in an official statement.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw provided further details at a news conference regarding the encounter.
"The only words that we said to him was 'drop the items' which means the gas can and the shotgun," Bradshaw said.
"At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position," he added.
Following this, agents discharged their weapons to neutralize the threat, according to Bradshaw.
"At that point, agents fired their weapons to 'neutralise the threat'," he said.
All officers involved were equipped with body cameras, and no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
Bradshaw noted that it is currently unknown whether the suspect's firearm was loaded, and this aspect will be examined as part of an ongoing investigation with assistance from the FBI.
Security Measures at Mar-a-Lago
Mar-a-Lago maintains stringent security protocols, including an outer perimeter secured by local Palm Beach sheriffs and an inner perimeter guarded by the Secret Service. Visitors undergo searches, and vehicles and bags are inspected using dogs and metal detectors.
Previous Threats Against Trump
Donald Trump has been the target of multiple assassination plots and attempts in recent years.
In July 2024, Trump was shot in the ear while addressing a crowd in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack resulted in one bystander fatality and two injuries. The shooter, 20-year-old Matthew Crooks, was immediately killed by security forces. His motive remains unknown.
Several months later, a US Secret Service agent discovered a rifle protruding from bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The suspect, Ryan Routh, fled the scene but was apprehended. The 59-year-old was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this month for attempting to assassinate the former president.
