A man from Cameron, N.C., entered a secured area at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday carrying a shotgun and a can of gasoline, according to the U.S. Secret Service. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was instructed by law enforcement to put down his weapons. He reportedly complied with the gasoline can but was shot when he raised the shotgun, as stated by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Two Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy fired their weapons to address the threat.
Martin was reported missing by his family on Feb. 21, 2026, according to social media posts. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington, D.C., during the incident, attending a dinner with governors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media that all necessary resources are being committed to the case. Residents near the Florida property have been asked to check their security cameras for footage from before the incident.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the suspect as “a crazy person” who intruded on President Trump’s residence and criticized Democrats for the federal shutdown affecting law enforcement.
