A man in his early 20s was shot and killed early Sunday after allegedly trying to enter the security perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, the private club owned by President Trump.
The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. in West Palm Beach. According to the United States Secret Service, the man was spotted near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
Authorities said the man entered a restricted area and was confronted by Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. During the encounter, law enforcement opened fire.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
Officials confirmed that no Secret Service agents or sheriff’s deputies were injured. There were also no Secret Service protectees at the property at the time of the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the circumstances of the shooting, including the man’s background, possible motive, and the use of force.
In line with agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved have been placed on routine administrative leave while the investigation continues.
A press briefing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday.
President Trump has faced multiple security threats in recent years. On July 13, 2024, he was injured during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Two months later, on Sept. 15, 2024, another armed suspect was arrested near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach while he was playing. That suspect was later sentenced to life in prison.
More updates are expected as the investigation develops.
