Armed man killed after breaching Mar-a-Lago security perimeter identified: Secret Service
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: A man in his early 20s who was shot and killed early on Sunday, February 22, after making an “unauthorized entry” into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, was identified as Austin Tucker Martin, according to the United States Secret Service.
According to Fox News, the agency identified the suspect as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina and said that the incident occurred around 1.30 am, near the estate’s north gate, where he was seen carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
🚨 BREAKING: The man who breached the Mar-a-Lago security perimeter with a shotgun has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 22, 2026
His parents reported him missing last night at 7:51pm, when he was last seen.
He was shot by USSS around 1:30am. pic.twitter.com/oBcOYWNu8C
Confrontation inside the inner perimeter
Agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded after the man entered the inner security zone.
Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said that a deputy and two Secret Service agents confronted the suspect and ordered him to drop the items he was carrying.
An armed man was shot & killed by U.S. Secret Service agents & @PBCountySheriff after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning. A press briefing with additional details will be held at 9:00 a.m with @FBI and Palm Beach County. pic.twitter.com/jAXhdb1xEL
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 22, 2026
“He put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” Bradshaw said. “At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.”
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Bradshaw said that the suspect did not exchange words with officers beyond being told to “drop the items.”
Authorities say no injuries and Trump not present during incident
Authorities said that no Secret Service or Sheriff’s Office personnel were injured in the incident, and no Secret Service protectees were at the property at the time. President Donald Trump was not in Florida when the shooting occurred, officials confirmed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation alongside the Secret Service and the sheriff’s office, examining the suspect’s background, actions, possible motive, and the use of force.
FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working closely with @SecretService as well our…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 22, 2026
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the bureau is “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation and is working closely with the Secret Service and state and federal partners. Officials said updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles said the bureau’s evidence response team is processing the scene and urged nearby residents to review exterior surveillance footage from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
“If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, please contact us,” Skiles said.
