Armed Man Killed After Breaching Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Security Perimeter

preCharge News FLORIDA — A man armed with a shotgun was shot and killed early Sunday after making an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate of Donald Trump, the United States Secret Service said.

Incident Occurred Early Sunday Morning

Security Breach Detected Around 1:30 a.m.

The Secret Service said in a statement that the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., when security personnel detected an individual inside the estate’s inner perimeter.

At a news conference later Sunday, Ric Bradshaw, sheriff of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, said the individual entered near a gate on the north side of the property.

Confrontation With Law Enforcement

Suspect Raised Shotgun Toward Officers

“A deputy and two Secret Service agents on the detail went to that area to investigate,” Bradshaw said.

He said officers encountered a white male carrying a gas can and a shotgun. Authorities ordered the man to drop both items.

According to Bradshaw, the suspect put down the gas can but then raised the shotgun into a shooting position, prompting the deputy and Secret Service agents to fire their weapons and “neutralize the threat.”

The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspect Identified as 21-Year-Old From North Carolina

Investigation Into Travel and Weapon Purchase Underway

Multiple law enforcement sources identified the man to preCharge News as Austin T. Martin, a 21-year-old from Cameron.

Authorities are investigating whether Martin purchased the shotgun during his drive from North Carolina to Florida. His family had reported him missing to authorities on Saturday.

No Injuries to Law Enforcement or Protectees

Trump Was Not at Mar-a-Lago

Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros said no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The Secret Service confirmed that no protectees were present at Mar-a-Lago at the time. President Trump remained in Washington over the weekend.

Federal Investigation Ongoing

FBI Leading Inquiry

Bradshaw said the Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities have not released further details about the suspect’s motive as the investigation continues.