FBI Commits Full Resources to Investigate Fatal Shooting at Mar-a-Lago
North Carolina man shot dead after breaching Mar-a-Lago security perimeter with shotgun and fuel
US, Feb 23 : A 21 year old man from North Carolina was shot and killed by US Secret Service agents early Monday after breaching the security perimeter of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, officials said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed it is “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation.
Incident Details
The man, identified as Austin Tucker Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, entered the resort through the north gate at around 1:30 a.m. as another vehicle was exiting. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated that Martin was armed with a shotgun and a gas can.
According to authorities, agents ordered him to drop the weapons. While he complied with the gas can, he raised the shotgun in a threatening manner, prompting the Secret Service and a deputy to fire, neutralising the threat. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No Secret Service or local law enforcement personnel were injured.
The Washington Post reported that the shooting occurred just inside the inner perimeter of the estate. Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago during the incident.
FBI Investigation Underway
The FBI is leading the probe with support from local authorities. Brett Skiles, special agent in charge of the Miami field office, said the bureau is processing the scene and collecting evidence. Residents in nearby areas were urged to review exterior security footage for any relevant information.
Authorities later recovered a shotgun box in Martin’s vehicle. Reports indicate that he had been reported missing by his family a day before the incident.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the swift response of the Secret Service, stating they “acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person armed with a gun and gas canister.”
The shooting comes amid heightened security around Trump, who survived two assassination attempts in 2024, including a gunfire incident during a rally in Pennsylvania and another armed intrusion near his West Palm Beach golf club.
