A deadly security incident unfolded early Sunday morning at Mar-a-Lago after a 21-year-old man entered the property armed with what authorities said appeared to be a shotgun and a can of fuel.
Austin Tucker Martin, of Cameron, North Carolina, was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service agents after refusing to comply with commands to disarm, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had,” Bradshaw told reporters, “at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.”
The confrontation took place after Martin reportedly entered the west gate of the golf course as a guest was exiting the premises. Agents quickly responded and encountered him on the property. Following the shooting, officials located a shotgun box inside Martin’s vehicle. Authorities are still working to determine when and where the firearm was obtained.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not at the Florida estate. The couple was in Washington attending a Governors’ Dinner and remained at the White House.
Martin had been reported missing by his family just one day earlier. His mother had also posted on Facebook seeking information about his whereabouts. Publicly available social media accounts linked to Martin show he painted watercolor artwork of well-known golf courses.
Federal authorities quickly moved to begin a joint investigation into the incident. Kash Patel, Director of the FBI, said the agency is “dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.”
In a statement, the U.S. Secret Service said: “The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.”
While the president has not yet publicly commented, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the agents’ response in a post on X, saying they acted “quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person.”
Sunday’s events come amid heightened concern over threats targeting the president. Trump has survived two prior assassination attempts, including one linked to the same property.
In September 2024, Ryan Routh was discovered hiding in shrubs on the golf course with a rifle and intent to shoot Trump, then a presidential candidate. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Earlier that year, in July 2024, Thomas Crooks shot Trump in the ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. One rally attendee was killed before Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service agents at the scene.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she has spoken with the president and is coordinating with federal law enforcement regarding the latest incident.
