Authorities have identified the armed man who was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina.
According to officials cited by multiple national outlets, Martin entered the grounds of the Palm Beach, Florida property around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the United States Secret Service, said Martin was observed near the north gate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said during a press conference that officers ordered Martin to drop the items. He allegedly put down the fuel can but then raised the shotgun into a “shooting position,” at which point law enforcement opened fire. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No Secret Service agents or deputies were injured.
Authorities said Martin is believed to have purchased the shotgun while driving south, and a box for the weapon was later found in his vehicle. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive.
Trump Not at Mar-a-Lago During Incident
Donald Trump, who frequently spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago, was reportedly at the White House in Washington, D.C., at the time of the incident. Melania Trump was also in Washington, according to reports.
In line with agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Missing Person Report and Ongoing Investigation
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook statement that a relative of Martin had previously reported him missing to a local deputy, and he was entered into a national missing persons database. Federal authorities later informed the sheriff’s office that they were conducting an active investigation in Florida involving Martin.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation. Officials have not released additional details.
The incident follows prior threats and attempts targeting Trump, including a July 2024 campaign rally shooting attempt involving Thomas Matthew Crooks and a separate case in which Ryan Wesley Routh was later sentenced to life in prison for plotting to shoot Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club.
