A 21-year-old North Carolina man was shot and killed early Sunday after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, prompting a multi-agency federal investigation.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that at approximately 1:30 a.m., agents, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, responded to what they described as an “unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago.” The individual was confronted and fatally shot. No Secret Service agents or sheriff’s deputies were injured.
Multiple sources identified the man as Austin T. Martin, 21, of Cameron, North Carolina. Authorities said he was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can when he gained access to the property as a guest was exiting.
According to the Secret Service, the man “was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.” Law enforcement personnel engaged the individual, and shots were fired.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the bureau is “dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago.” He added that “an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter.”
Patel confirmed the FBI will work alongside the Secret Service and state and federal partners, promising updates as the investigation progresses.
CBS News reported that Martin’s family had reported him missing the previous day. Officials are examining whether he purchased the firearm during his drive from North Carolina to Florida.
President Donald Trump was at the White House at the time of the shooting. First Lady Melania Trump had been with him Saturday evening. Federal authorities said the identity of the deceased was being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin.
“The incident, including the man’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.”
Heightened Security Amid Past Threats
The deadly breach comes against a backdrop of heightened security concerns surrounding Trump. In July 2024, he was wounded during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Two months later, a man armed with a rifle was apprehended near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach. That individual, Ryan Routh, was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Sunday’s incident occurred a short distance from that earlier attempt, underscoring ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the Mar-a-Lago breach as the investigation unfolds.
