An armed man in his early 20s was shot and killed early Sunday morning, Feb. 22, after breaching the security perimeter at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. According to local and federal officials, the man was confronted by U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy before being fatally shot when he allegedly raised a shotgun toward officers.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the north gate of the property. Authorities have confirmed that neither President Trump nor first lady Melania Trump were present at the estate at the time of the breach.
Suspect Identified as 21-Year-Old from North Carolina
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw identified the suspect as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of Carthage, North Carolina. During a 9:30 a.m. news conference, Bradshaw said two Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy spotted Martin carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can as he entered the property’s perimeter.
Officers ordered him to drop his weapons. According to Bradshaw, Martin lowered the fuel can but then raised the shotgun into what authorities described as a “shooting position.”
At that point, the agents and deputy opened fire, killing him at the scene. Officials have not disclosed how many rounds were fired, who fired the fatal shot, or whether Martin had any prior encounters with law enforcement.
All officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation, which is being led by the FBI.
Investigation Underway as FBI Seeks Public Assistance
FBI Special Agent Brett Skiles, who appeared alongside Bradshaw, asked Palm Beach residents to review home security footage from the night of Feb. 21 and early morning hours of Feb. 22 for anything suspicious.
“We are asking residents to check their cameras for anything that looks suspicious or out of place,” Skiles said.
Authorities confirmed that a Palm Beach County deputy involved in the shooting was equipped with a body-worn camera, though officials have not yet announced if or when that footage will be released.
The Secret Service also confirmed that no “protectees” were present at the estate during the break-in.
Missing Person Report Filed Minutes After Shooting
Shortly after news of the shooting broke, Martin’s name began circulating online. The FBI later confirmed his identity.
According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, a relative reported Martin missing at 1:38 a.m. — just minutes after the shooting occurred in Florida. He was entered into a national missing persons database.
“The Moore County Sheriff’s Office had no prior history involving Martin before the missing person report,” the agency said in a statement.
A missing-person flyer shared on social media earlier that morning showed Martin smiling in a photo, prompting online speculation about whether he was the same individual involved in the Mar-a-Lago breach. The post quickly drew widespread attention and commentary.
History of Security Breaches at Trump’s Palm Beach Properties
Sunday’s incident marks the latest in a series of security breaches at properties associated with President Trump in Palm Beach County.
In recent years, multiple individuals have attempted to enter Mar-a-Lago and nearby Trump properties. Past incidents include trespassing cases, attempted unauthorized entries, and individuals carrying suspicious devices or weapons. In September 2024, Ryan Routh was arrested after allegedly hiding near Trump International Golf Club with a rifle while the president was playing golf.
Other reported breaches since Trump’s re-election in late 2024 have involved trespassing arrests, vehicle crashes through barricades, and protest-related altercations near his properties.
Authorities have emphasized that security protocols are continuously reviewed and updated following each incident.
What Happens Next in the Federal Investigation
The FBI’s investigation will focus on reconstructing the timeline of events, reviewing body camera footage, and examining Martin’s background, travel history, and potential motive. Officials have not yet stated whether they believe the suspect acted alone or whether there was a broader threat.
Further updates are expected as investigators analyze evidence and interview witnesses.
The shooting raises renewed questions about security at high-profile political residences and the protocols used during armed confrontations involving federal protectees.
Conclusion
An armed breach at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday ended in a fatal shooting after officers say a suspect raised a shotgun toward law enforcement. With the FBI now leading the investigation, officials are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
As details continue to emerge, authorities are urging the public to provide any relevant footage or information that could assist investigators.
