Washington, Feb 24 : US President Donald Trump on Monday publicly addressed the recent Mar-a-Lago shooting for the first time, saying he was unsure “how long I’ll be around” after an armed intruder was shot dead while attempting to breach the Florida estate’s security perimeter.
Blending dark humour with historical reflection, Trump referenced assassinated US presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, suggesting that “consequential presidents” are often targeted.
“You read about all these crazy shooters, but they only go after consequential presidents,” Trump said, adding in a lighter tone that perhaps he should try being “a normal president for a little while.”
Mar-a-Lago shooting: Armed intruder killed
The confrontation occurred at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday (local time). Authorities said a man carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel canister drove through the estate’s north gate in a silver Volkswagen Tiguan.
According to officials, the suspect exited the vehicle and approached a restricted area when Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy confronted him. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the man raised the weapon toward officers, prompting them to open fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The intruder was later identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina. A weapon box was recovered from his vehicle. Law enforcement officials said there was no immediate indication of a wider conspiracy.
Trump was not at the estate during the incident and was at the White House at the time.
Heightened security scrutiny
The Mar-a-Lago shooting has renewed focus on security protocols surrounding Trump, who previously survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign cycle. The Secret Service has not announced any broader threat linked to the breach but is expected to review perimeter safeguards and rapid-response procedures at high-profile presidential residences.
The Palm Beach property, frequently used for political meetings and official engagements, remains under tight federal protection as investigations continue.