An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, prompting a multi-agency investigation and a detailed morning press conference.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when a security detail detected an individual inside the restricted area near the north side of the property, just inside the inner perimeter. The man, described as a white male in his early 20s, was carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi posted the initial statement on X:
The full press release reads:
“On February 22, around 1:30 a.m., a male in his early 20s was shot by U.S. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) following an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago.
The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased. The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
U.S. Secret Service agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter. No U.S. Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured. There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident.
The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”
According to details provided during the 9:30 a.m. press conference, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said agents ordered the man to drop the items. He reportedly put down the gas can but raised the shotgun into a shooting position. A PBSO deputy and two Secret Service agents then discharged their firearms and “neutralized the threat.” The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials said the man was not known to law enforcement at this time. It remains under investigation how many shots were fired and whether the shotgun was loaded. Authorities confirmed that no officers were injured and that no Secret Service protectees, including President Trump, were present at the property at the time.
The FBI is leading the investigation and has asked nearby residents to review exterior surveillance footage.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office also announced the briefing on X:
You can watch the full press conference here.