An armed intruder was shot and killed by law enforcement officers after breaching the secure perimeter of former U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning. The incident marks another security breach at a property associated with the former president, who has been targeted in multiple assassination attempts in recent years.
Details of the Security Breach
According to U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the man drove into the secure perimeter as another vehicle was exiting the property. The intruder, identified by investigators as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was spotted by the compound's north gate carrying a gas can and a shotgun.
"He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with them. At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position," Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told reporters during a press briefing.
Law Enforcement Response
Sheriff Bradshaw confirmed that a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy and two Secret Service agents fired their weapons in response to the threat. The armed man was fatally shot during the confrontation. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident, and no one under Secret Service protection was present at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the breach.
The incident is now under investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media platform X that the federal agency is "dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation."
History of Security Threats
This latest security incident follows two previous assassination attempts against Donald Trump during the 2024 election campaign:
- September 2024: Ryan Routh, 59, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month after being convicted of attempting to assassinate Trump at a Florida golf course. Secret Service agents discovered Routh hiding in bushes with a semi-automatic rifle near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
- July 2024: Matthew Crooks, 20, fired several shots during a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, with one bullet grazing the then-presidential candidate's right ear. The incident resulted in one spectator killed and two others critically injured.
These previous attempts highlight the ongoing security challenges facing the former president and his properties. The Secret Service maintains protective details for former presidents and their immediate families, with security protocols that include monitoring properties like Mar-a-Lago when they are in use.
Security Measures at Presidential Properties
Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and residence in Palm Beach, has been the subject of increased security scrutiny in recent years. The property features multiple layers of security, including:
- Perimeter fencing and gates with surveillance
- Regular patrols by Secret Service agents
- Coordination with local law enforcement agencies
- Advanced screening procedures for visitors and vehicles
Despite these measures, Sunday's incident demonstrates the persistent threats facing high-profile political figures and their properties. The investigation will likely examine how the intruder managed to breach the initial security perimeter and what additional measures might be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released additional information about the intruder's motives or how he obtained the weapons used in the attempted breach. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing former presidents and the ongoing threats in today's polarized political climate.
