In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, a security breach at Mar-a-Lago ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting, according to official statements from law enforcement agencies.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time, when a 21-year-old man entered the secure perimeter of the Palm Beach, Florida property, which serves as the private residence and members-only club of former President Donald Trump.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was armed with a shotgun and carrying a gasoline canister at the time he was confronted by security personnel.
The encounter resulted in the suspect being shot and pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The case has since prompted a multi-agency federal investigation, drawing national attention due to the high-profile nature of the property and its association with a former U.S. president.
What Happened
According to official briefings from the United States Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, security systems detected a perimeter breach at the north gate of the estate shortly after 1:30 a.m.
Responding officers encountered a male suspect inside the secured area. Law enforcement officials stated that the individual was visibly carrying two items: a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
Officers immediately issued verbal commands instructing the man to drop both objects. During a later press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that the suspect complied partially.
He set down the gasoline container but then raised the shotgun into what authorities described as a firing position.
At that point, two Secret Service agents and one sheriff’s deputy discharged their weapons. The suspect was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel.
Sheriff Bradshaw emphasized that the use of force occurred after officers perceived an immediate threat to their safety. Officials later confirmed that none of the responding officers sustained injuries during the encounter.
Authorities also stated that it was not immediately clear whether the shotgun was loaded at the time it was raised.
Identification of the Suspect
Later that day, investigators identified the individual as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina. His name was released following official confirmation and was reported by major national media outlets.
According to law enforcement sources, Martin’s family had reported him missing in the days prior to the incident. Investigators believe he traveled from North Carolina to Florida before entering the Mar-a-Lago property.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that authorities located the box for the shotgun inside the suspect’s vehicle.
This detail led investigators to believe that the firearm may have been acquired during his trip south. However, officials have not publicly confirmed the precise timeline of the purchase.
At the time of the shooting, investigators had not released detailed information regarding the suspect’s personal history or potential motive. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Location and Security Context
Mar-a-Lago is located in Palm Beach, Florida, and operates both as a private residence and a members-only club. Due to its connection with a former president of the United States, the property receives protection from the United States Secret Service.
The Secret Service is responsible for protecting current and former presidents, their immediate families, and designated secure locations associated with them.
Protective operations typically include controlled access points, perimeter monitoring systems, physical security barriers, and armed personnel.
Even when the former president is not physically present at the property, security measures remain in place to maintain the integrity of the site.
At the time of the incident, former President Donald Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago. Officials reported that he was in Washington, D.C. during the event. His wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, was also not at the Florida residence at that time.
Trump’s private living quarters at Mar-a-Lago are located in a separate building within the estate. The property is also used for social gatherings, political meetings, and visits by prominent guests.
Law Enforcement Response
Following the shooting, the scene was secured by local and federal authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation assumed a leading role in the investigation, working alongside the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal investigators are conducting a comprehensive review that includes:
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Examination of body-worn camera footage
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Forensic analysis of the firearm and other physical evidence
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Digital analysis of the suspect’s devices and online activity
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Review of travel records and surveillance footage
Authorities have also asked nearby residents and businesses to share security camera recordings from the night of the incident to help establish a detailed timeline of events.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the actions of law enforcement personnel are also subject to review.
Official Statements
During a Sunday morning press conference, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw provided a detailed account of the sequence of events, explaining that officers responded to what they perceived as an imminent threat after the suspect raised the shotgun.
In a separate statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commended the rapid response of federal and local authorities, stating that security personnel are trained to act decisively when confronting potential threats at protected sites.
Officials have consistently emphasized that, based on current evidence, there is no indication that the suspect successfully targeted any specific individual.
No Confirmed Motive
As of the latest official updates, investigators have not announced a confirmed motive. Authorities are examining a range of possible factors, including the suspect’s recent movements, personal circumstances, and mental state.
Law enforcement officials have stated that there is currently no evidence suggesting the incident was part of a coordinated attack or organized plot.
They also noted that investigations of this nature require time to analyze digital data, interview acquaintances, and review physical evidence thoroughly.
Until that process is complete, officials have urged the public to rely only on confirmed information.
Use-of-Force Protocol
The Secret Service operates under federal use-of-force guidelines that allow agents to use lethal force when they reasonably believe their lives or the lives of others are in imminent danger.
Security perimeters around protected sites are considered restricted zones. Unauthorized entry—particularly while armed—triggers immediate response protocols designed to neutralize potential threats.
According to law enforcement officials, when an armed individual raises a firearm in the direction of officers, it constitutes a scenario in which deadly force may be justified under established guidelines.
Continuing Investigation
Federal, state, and local agencies continue to coordinate efforts to ensure a comprehensive review of the incident.
This includes reconstructing the timeline from the suspect’s departure from North Carolina to his arrival in Florida. Authorities have stated that further updates will be provided as confirmed information becomes available.
Officials reiterated that transparency and accuracy are priorities in the investigation, and they cautioned against speculation while the review process continues.
Broader Context
Security breaches at properties associated with current or former presidents are treated with heightened seriousness due to national security considerations.
The Secret Service maintains layered security strategies that combine technology, personnel, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by protective services in responding to unpredictable threats. At the same time, authorities have stressed that the swift response prevented potential harm and that no bystanders or officers were injured.
Conclusion
The early-morning breach at Mar-a-Lago on February 22, 2026, resulted in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin after he entered the secure perimeter carrying a shotgun and gasoline canister.
According to official statements, officers responded after the suspect raised the firearm in what was perceived as a threatening manner.
No law enforcement officers were injured, and investigators have stated there is currently no confirmed evidence that the incident targeted a specific individual.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and supporting agencies continue to examine all aspects of the case. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, authorities emphasize that the facts currently available are based on official statements and ongoing investigative findings, and they encourage the public to rely on verified information as updates emerge.
