Karoline Leavitt blasts Democrats’ ‘reckless’ DHS shutdown after Mar-a-Lago security breach
WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Sunday, February 22, sharply criticized Democrats, calling their recent actions "shameful and reckless," as the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down following a deadly security incident at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.
The criticism follows an early Sunday morning shooting in which law enforcement shot a 21-year-old man, identified as Austin Tucker Martin, who allegedly tried to enter the Mar-a-Lago estate while carrying a shotgun and a gas can.
In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home. Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our… https://t.co/MYTsHqR4cx
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 22, 2026
Karoline Leavitt slams Democrats over DHS shutdown
After the shooting incident, Karoline Leavitt took to social media to criticize Democrats over the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been closed since February 14 due to disagreements over immigration rules.
On X, she wrote, "In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home."
The would-be shooter at Mar-a-Lago was shot dead by secret service while he was in a “firing position.”
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 22, 2026
He came to kiII.
Democrats keep trying to kiII us pic.twitter.com/nDpT4V7fkU https://t.co/mCHGAmGcrm
She blamed Democrats for the situation, adding, "Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans. It’s shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department."
Mar a Lago security breach suspect shot dead
The event took place at about 01:30 local time (06:30 GMT) at the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The intruder was identified as Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old artist from North Carolina.
Police said Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy ordered the man to drop the items he was carrying.
During the confrontation, the man was shot and killed by law enforcement after he failed to follow orders. President Trump was not at the property at the time, as he was in Washington, DC, for an event.
FBI traces North Carolina suspect’s route to Florida
As the FBI takes the lead in the investigation, new details have emerged about the suspect’s final hours before the breach. Martin had been reported missing by his family in North Carolina just a day earlier, with social media posts showing relatives searching for him.
While his online presence largely featured sketches of golf courses in the Pinehurst area, investigators are now tracing his movement south to Florida.
Officials are specifically examining whether he purchased the shotgun during his trip, as the weapon’s box was reportedly found inside his vehicle. Authorities confirmed that the man was not previously known to law enforcement before the incident.
