A man with a shotgun and gas can was shot and killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago while Trump was at the White House

Fortune

by Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press

February 22, 2026

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A man armed with a shotgun and a gas can was shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s Florida resort, as the former president was at the White House. The individual, in his early 20s and from North Carolina, had been reported missing by his family days prior. Investigators believe he traveled south and acquired the shotgun before attempting to enter the property near its north gate. He was confronted by Secret Service agents and a deputy, who opened fire after he raised the shotgun. The incident occurred just a few miles from where another man, Ryan Routh, attempted to assassinate Trump during his 2024 campaign. This latest breach highlights a concerning trend of political violence in the U.S., with recent attacks targeting high-profile individuals and government officials. The FBI has urged nearby residents to review security camera footage for potential leads, while authorities work on building a psychological profile of the deceased man. This event underscores growing concerns over security for former and current leaders, particularly as Trump remains a prominent political figure. The attack also raises questions about the adequacy of security measures at high-profile locations like Mar-a-Lago, where similar incidents have occurred in recent years. With other recent acts of violence, including an attempted assassination at Trump’s Pennsylvania rally and the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the incident underscores a broader pattern of threats against political figures. For readers interested in business and finance, this story highlights the challenges of protecting high-profile assets and individuals, as well as the potential impact on public perception and security costs. The increasing frequency of such incidents may also prompt greater scrutiny of security protocols and funding for protective services.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026