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News Story

Armed North Carolina man fatally shot after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago

The U.S. Secret Service says a North Carolina man entered a secured area of Mar-a-Lago early Sunday morning armed with a shotgun and a can of gas. The suspect, identified as Austin Tucker Martin from Cameron, N.C., was ordered by law enforcement to put down his weapons. The 21-year-old reportedly put down the gas can, but was shot when he moved to raise the shotgun to a shooting position, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Bradshaw says two Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy fired their weapons “to neutralize the threat.”

According to posts on social media, Martin’s family was asking for help locating him after reporting him missing Feb.21, 2026.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were not on the Florida property when the incident took place. Both were in Washington, D.C. for a dinner attended by the nation’s governors.

The FBI is now the lead agency investigating the case. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media the agency is dedicating “all necessary resources” in the investigation of this morning’s incident.

Agents have asked people who live near the Florida property to check their security cameras for additional video that might be helpful in the moments prior to the event.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the suspect as “a crazy person” who intruded on President Trump’s home.

“Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans. It’s shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department,” Leavitt wrote on X.

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