Armed man killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An armed man was killed after entering the secure perimeter of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The suspect, identified as Austin T Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can when he was stopped by Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 1:30 ET on Sunday morning, with Trump reportedly not at Mar-a-Lago but in Washington, D.C., at the time.
Martin was observed near the north gate of the property attempting to enter the secure area. When approached by law enforcement, he refused orders to drop his items and raised the shotgun into a shooting position. In response, agents fired their weapons to neutralize the threat. Martin was killed in the ensuing encounter, with no injuries reported among the responding officers. Authorities are investigating whether Martin legally purchased the firearm along his route from North Carolina to Florida.
Security at Mar-a-Lago is known for being highly stringent, with multiple layers of protection including local sheriff deputies and Secret Service agents. Visitors undergo thorough searches, and vehicles and bags are inspected using dogs and metal detectors. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in securing high-profile locations
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026