US Secret Service shoots and kills armed man trying to enter Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago resort

US Secret Service agents shot and killed a man in his early 20s who unlawfully entered the restricted area around President Donald Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago estate in Florida on Sunday, February 22.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 am, with the Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responding. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington at the time, and no protectees were present at the property.

The man approached the north gate of the West Palm Beach estate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can before moving into the protected perimeter. He drove through the gate while another vehicle was leaving and was confronted by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County deputy. Agents opened fire, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect’s identity has not been officially released. He was reportedly from North Carolina, in his early 20s, and had been reported missing a few days ago. Investigators said he likely left North Carolina, moved south, and obtained a shotgun along the way. The gun’s box was recovered in his vehicle.

No Secret Service or sheriff’s personnel were injured during the incident. The FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the suspect’s background, actions, and possible motive.

The Secret Service confirmed that 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” before entering the restricted zone. Though Trump usually spends weekends at the resort, he and the First Lady were at the White House in Washington during the incident.