In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, a security breach at Mar-a-Lago ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting, according to official statements from law enforcement agencies. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time, when a 21-year-old man entered the secure perimeter of the Palm Beach, Florida property, which serves as the private residence and members-only club of former President Donald Trump. Authorities confirmed that the individual was armed with a shotgun…
In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, a security breach at Mar-a-Lago ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting, according to official statements from law enforcement agencies.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time, when a 21-year-old man entered the secure perimeter of the Palm Beach, Florida property, which serves as the private residence and members-only club of former President Donald Trump.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was armed with a shotgun and carrying a gasoline canister at the time he was confronted by security personnel.
The encounter resulted in the suspect being shot and pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The case has since prompted a multi-agency federal investigation, drawing national attention due to the high-profile nature of the property and its association with a former U.S. president.
What Happened
According to official briefings from the United States Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, security systems detected a perimeter breach at the north gate of the estate shortly after 1:30 a.m.
Responding officers encountered a male suspect inside the secured area. Law enforcement officials stated that the individual was visibly carrying two items: a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
Officers immediately issued verbal commands instructing the man to drop both objects. During a later press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that the suspect complied partially.
He set down the gasoline container but then raised the shotgun into what authorities described as a firing position.
At that point, two Secret Service agents and one sheriff’s deputy discharged their weapons. The suspect was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel.
Sheriff Bradshaw emphasized that the use of force occurred after officers perceived an immediate threat to their safety. Officials later confirmed that none of the responding officers sustained injuries during the encounter.
Authorities also stated that it was not immediately clear whether the shotgun was loaded at the time it was raised.
Identification of the Suspect
Later that day, investigators identified the individual as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina. His name was released following official confirmation and was reported by major national media outlets.
According to law enforcement sources, Martin’s family had reported him missing in the days prior to the incident. Investigators believe he traveled from North Carolina to Florida before entering the Mar-a-Lago property.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that authorities located the box for the shotgun inside the suspect’s vehicle.
This detail led investigators to believe that the firearm may have been acquired during his trip south. However, officials have not publicly confirmed the precise timeline of the purchase.
At the time of the shooting, investigators had not released detailed information regarding the suspect’s personal history or potential motive. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Location and Security Context
Mar-a-Lago is located in Palm Beach, Florida, and operates both as a private residence and a members-only club. Due to its connection with a former president of the United States, the property receives protection from the United States Secret Service.
The Secret Service is responsible for protecting current and former presidents, their immediate families, and designated secure locations associated with them.
Protective operations typically include controlled access points, perimeter monitoring systems, physical security barriers, and armed personnel.
Even when the former president is not physically present at the property, security measures remain in place to maintain the integrity of the site.
At the time of the incident, former President Donald Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago. Officials reported that he was in Washington, D.C. during the event. His wife, former First Lady Melania Trump, was also not at the Florida residence at that time.
Trump’s private living quarters at Mar-a-Lago are located in a separate building within the estate. The property is also used for social gatherings, political meetings, and visits by prominent guests.
Law Enforcement Response
Following the shooting, the scene was secured by local and federal authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation assumed a leading role in the investigation, working alongside the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal investigators are conducting a comprehensive review that includes:
Examination of body-worn camera footage
Forensic analysis of the firearm and other physical evidence
Digital analysis of the suspect’s devices and online activity
Review of travel records and surveillance footage
Authorities have also asked nearby residents and businesses to share security camera recordings from the night of the incident to help establish a detailed timeline of events.
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the actions of law enforcement personnel are also subject to review.