An armed man in his early 20s was shot and killed early Sunday morning after allegedly driving into the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
According to an official statement from the Secret Service, the unidentified male was observed at approximately 1:30 a.m. near the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can after unlawfully entering the protected grounds.
Authorities say the individual, who was from North Carolina, had been reported missing by family members several days prior. Investigators believe he traveled south and obtained the shotgun during the trip.
Authorities say the individual was ordered to immediately drop both the weapon and the container, per Fox8 Live.
He reportedly complied with commands to put down the gas can.
But moments later, the situation escalated dramatically.
A box for the weapon was later discovered inside the suspect’s vehicle following the incident.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed during a press briefing that the suspect raised the shotgun into a firing position, prompting law enforcement personnel to discharge their weapons and neutralize the threat.
BREAKING: Full Press Conference by FBI, Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff after armed man shot dead in apparent failed assassination attempt of President Trump at Mar-a-Lago. pic.twitter.com/B6Jr116lfl
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 22, 2026
According to the statement posted on social media:
On February 22, around 1:30 a.m., a male in his early 20s was shot by U.S.
Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PSO) following an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago.
The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased. The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
U.S. Secret Service agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter. No U.S. Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured. There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident.
The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
UPDATE
An armed man was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service agents and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning.
A 9:00 a.m. press briefing with the FBI and local authorities is scheduled. https://t.co/BIeVx7q3EI pic.twitter.com/cQuUGgJJpK
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 22, 2026
The Sheriff’s Department released a photo of the shotgun and gas can recovered from the man who was shot and killed.
NEW: Sheriff’s department shows a photo of the shotgun and gas can recovered from the man who was killed after allegedly breaching the secure perimeter at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
“Fortunately, nobody was in jeopardy inside because of the quick action that was taken… pic.twitter.com/srH6JoUmoA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026
Watch the full press conference:
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