A 21-year-old man named Austin T. Martin, from Cameron, North Carolina, was shot and killed by US Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on 22 February 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 01:30 local time when Martin entered the inner perimeter near the north gate, gaining access as a guest exited the property. He was reportedly carrying a shotgun and a fuel canister at the time of the confrontation. Authorities stated that Martin raised the shotgun after being instructed to drop his weapons, prompting the agents to open fire.
Martin’s family had reported him missing on 21 February, according to sources cited by CBS News. Officials are investigating whether he purchased the shotgun during his journey from North Carolina to Florida. The FBI confirmed it is dedicating all necessary resources to the investigation, working alongside the Secret Service and federal and state partners. No further details about the suspect’s motives or background were provided at the time of reporting.
President Donald Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago during the incident. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she had spoken with Trump and was coordinating with federal agencies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the suspect as an armed individual who intruded on the property, and praised the Secret Service for their actions. The FBI has not released a formal statement beyond confirming the investigation is underway.