Authorities have identified the man who was shot and killed after allegedly breaching the secure perimeter at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Officials said the incident unfolded early Sunday morning when the suspect entered the resort grounds without authorization. Law enforcement later identified the individual as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin of North Carolina.
According to the U.S. Secret Service, the breach occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the man entered through the north gate of the property while another vehicle was exiting the premises.
Investigators said agents quickly confronted the individual after observing him carrying what appeared to be dangerous items.
Law Enforcement Confronts Armed Suspect

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw described the tense moments that followed when officers encountered the suspect.
“They confronted a white male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun. He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him – at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” Bradshaw told reporters. “At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.”
Authorities confirmed that the man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the confrontation.
Bradshaw also noted that the suspect did not speak to officers despite being instructed to “drop the items.”
Officials Confirm No Injuries During Incident

Despite the dangerous encounter, authorities said no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
Officials also confirmed that no Secret Service protectees were present at the estate when the breach occurred.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump was at the White House. Although he frequently spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago, he was not at the Florida property when the suspect entered the grounds.
Investigation Expands Across Multiple Agencies
Federal and local authorities immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials said the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are jointly examining the suspect’s background, actions and possible motive.
Authorities are also reviewing the use of force during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, investigators revealed that the suspect is believed to have purchased the shotgun while traveling south. Law enforcement later discovered the weapon’s box inside the suspect’s vehicle.
Missing Person Report Filed Before Shooting
New details also emerged from the suspect’s home state.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina confirmed that a relative reported Martin missing around 1:38 a.m. Sunday.
Local authorities entered his information into a national missing person database before federal officials contacted them regarding the investigation underway in Florida.
The sheriff’s office said it had no prior history involving the 21-year-old and has since turned over the missing person case information to federal authorities.
FBI Requests Help From Nearby Residents
Investigators are continuing to process evidence from the scene and build a clearer picture of the suspect’s movements before the breach.
FBI Miami Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles confirmed that the bureau is assisting because the shooting occurred in an area under Secret Service protection.
Authorities are now asking nearby residents for help.
“If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, please contact us,” Brett Skiles told reporters.
Officials said the FBI’s evidence response team is currently reviewing the scene and collecting forensic evidence.
Federal Officials Promise Full Investigation
Senior federal officials also addressed the incident publicly as investigators worked through the evidence.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media that the bureau is “dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident,” and “will continue working closely with @SecretService as well [as] our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also commented on the situation, praising the swift response by security personnel.
She said the U.S. 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.”
Incident Follows Previous Security Threats
The breach at Mar-a-Lago comes after a series of security concerns surrounding President Trump.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, the president faced two separate assassination attempts.
Officials have not yet determined whether the suspect in Sunday’s incident had any connection to those earlier threats.
Investigators said they are continuing to develop a psychological profile as part of the ongoing inquiry.