Authorities Identify Intruder Who Was Shot And Killed At Mar-A-Lago

Authorities have identified the individual involved in the early morning security breach at Mar-a-Lago as Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old from Cameron, North Carolina.

Martin, described as a white male and U.S. citizen, had been reported missing by his family several days prior to the incident. Investigators believe he traveled south from North Carolina and acquired a shotgun during the journey, as a box for the weapon was later found in his vehicle.

Martin was reported missing a day prior to the shooting

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET Sunday at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Martin drove into the secure perimeter near the north gate as another vehicle was exiting.

He was carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a gas canister or gasoline can.

Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the unauthorized entry. According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the suspect was confronted and ordered to drop the items.

He placed the fuel can on the ground but then raised the shotgun into a shooting position. At that point, two Secret Service agents and the deputy fired their weapons, resulting in Martin’s death at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured as a result of the shooting. Former Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino disclosed that security had been beefed up at Mar-A-Lago in recent months in order to respond to credible threats.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not present at Mar-a-Lago during the incident, as they were at the White House in Washington, D.C. No other individuals under Secret Service protection were on the property at the time.

The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the event. A psychological profile of the suspect is being compiled, and the motive remains under review.

Authorities have stated there is no immediate indication that Martin was previously known to law enforcement. The FBI has requested that nearby residents review any security camera footage that might assist the investigation.

This incident follows previous security threats involving President Trump, including assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign period — one in Butler, Pennsylvania where he was wounded and another near his Florida golf course where a suspect was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison.

Mar-A-Lago has also been the site of a number of attempted intrusions or breaches over the years, though none of those indicated planning or intent to harm.

Authorities have not yet released any information regarding a motive as of this report.