Armed man shot and killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says

This is an aerial view of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, Aug. 10, 2022, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

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An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, as another vehicle was exiting before being shot and killed early Sunday morning, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service.

The man, who was in his early 20s and from North Carolina, had a gas can and a shotgun, according to Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman. He had been reported missing by his family a few days ago, and investigators believe he headed south and picked up the shotgun along the way.

The man killed was identified by investigators as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, according to a person familiar with the matter. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.

What to know:

• The president and first lady Melania Trump were at the White House when the breach at Mar-a-Lago occurred. The U.S. has been rocked multiple times by political violence.In just the past year, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, as was the Democratic leader in the Minnesota state House and her husband. Another Minnesota lawmaker and his wife were shot, and there was an arson attack at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home.

Vehicles block property believed to be suspect’s

On Sunday afternoon, vehicles blocked the entrance to a property listed in public records as an address for the suspect who was shot and killed at Mar-a-Lago earlier in the day.

The property is at the end of rugged and sandy private road in Cameron, North Carolina.

A few modest homes sit along the road, which is surrounded by pine trees.

AG Pam Bondi says on X that she spoke to Trump

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X that she had been speaking with the president and “coordinating with our federal partners throughout the morning regarding the intrusion and shooting at Mar-A-Lago.”

She added that she is grateful that Trump “and our law enforcement agents are safe.”

FBI to devote ‘all necessary resources’ to Mar-a-Lago investigation

FBI Director Kash Patel said in post on X that the bureau would be “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt comments on Mar-a-Lago incident

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X:

“In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded 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.”

Treasury Secretary blames Democrat rhetoric

Though details of the armed man’s motive for entering the Mar-a-Lago perimeter are not yet known, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a Fox News interview on Sunday morning, reacted by criticizing Democratic rhetoric.

“This existential threat that’s venom from the left really has to stop,” said Bessent, who added he had just spoken with Trump.

Investigators identify the man who entered Mar-a-Lago

The man killed was identified by investigators as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.

Just five days ago, police arrested a man who ran toward the US Capitol holding a shotgun

U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building armed with a shotgun.

Capital Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the man, identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, was arrested after he parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, got out and ran “several hundred yards” toward the building with a shotgun before officers intercepted him and ordered him to put down the firearm and get on the ground.

Speaking at a press conference following the arrest, Sullivan said Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle. The shotgun was loaded and he had additional rounds on him, the chief said.

Sullivan said the motive was under investigation, including whether members of Congress were the target. Congress is not in session.

The White House referred all questions to the Secret Service and FBI

The news conference quickly wraps up

Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile and a motive is still under investigation.

Asked whether the individual was known to law enforcement, Bradshaw said, “Not right now.”

Palm Beach sheriff describes encounter with the suspect

Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said the man was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a sheriff’s deputy.

“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,” Bradshaw said. The two agents and the deputy “fired their weapons to neutralize the threat.”

Authorities host news conference at Mar-a-Lago

The FBI asked area residents who live near Mar-a-Lago to check any security cameras they may have for footage that could help investigators.

The suspect had been reported missing by his family

The suspect, who was in his early 20s and from North Carolina, was reported missing a few days ago by his family.

Investigators believe he left North Carolina and headed south, picking up a shotgun along the way, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

The box for the gun was recovered in his vehicle, Guglielmi said. The man drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago as another vehicle was exiting and was confronted by Secret Service agents, Guglielmi said.

The agents confronted the armed man, and he was fatally shot.

Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile and a motive is still under investigation.