Secret Service agents and deputies fatally shoot shotgun-armed suspect at Mar-a-Lago perimeter
PALM BEACH, FL: Law enforcement personnel fatally shot an armed individual early Sunday morning, February 22, after he unlawfully breached the secure perimeter of the Mar-a-Lago property.
The United States Secret Service confirmed that the encounter occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a male suspect, estimated to be in his early 20s, was observed by the north gate of the estate.
According to an official statement, the individual appeared to be carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) confronted the suspect, and shots were fired during the encounter.
The man was pronounced deceased at the scene, though his identity is currently being withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.
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
No injuries reported among law enforcement
The United Secret Service confirmed that no personnel from their agency or the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office were injured during the confrontation. Officials also stated that no Secret Service protectees were present on the property at the time of the breach, including Donald Trump. The President was not at the residence when the incident took place.
Following standard agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative leave. This protocol remains in effect pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the use of force.
FBI leads multi-agency security investigation
A massive investigative effort is now underway to determine the suspect's background, potential motives, and the specific actions leading up to the breach. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the probe in coordination with the US Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Additional details regarding the security breach are expected to be released during a formal press briefing scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation is active and will scrutinize every aspect of the encounter at the secure north gate.
