Attempted intrusion at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort foiled, suspect shot dead; FBI launches probe

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): An attempted security breach has been reported at US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. According to American media reports, a 21-year-old man from North Carolina was shot dead by US Secret Service agents. The suspect was reportedly carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time when he allegedly tried to gain unauthorized access through the northern gate of the Palm Beach estate. At that time, another vehicle was exiting the property.

Firing after warning

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that the suspect was ordered to drop his weapon. He put down the gas can but raised the shotgun into a firing position. A deputy and two Secret Service agents then opened fire, killing him at the scene. Officials confirmed that no Secret Service personnel or sheriff’s staff were injured. The incident took place within the inner security perimeter near the north gate. Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago at the time.

FBI investigation underway

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a detailed investigation into the case. Brett Skiles, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, said the agency is collecting all evidence and examining every aspect of the incident. The probe is being conducted in coordination with local authorities. Residents living near the estate have been asked to review their outdoor security camera footage and report any suspicious activity.

Reports identified the deceased as Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina. A box of shotgun ammunition was also recovered from his vehicle. It was stated that his family had reported him missing a day before the incident.

Incident amid rising security concerns

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media platform X that the Secret Service acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize the threat. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is deploying all necessary resources for the investigation. This is not the first time concerns have been raised about Trump’s security. During the 2024 election campaign, shots were fired at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing his ear. A few months later, another armed individual was arrested near his golf club in West Palm Beach.