US Secret Service kill armed man trying to access Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An armed man was shot and killed by the US Secret Service after driving into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when the 21-year-old North Carolina man, identified as Austin Tucker Martin, entered the property near the north gate with a shotgun and a gas can. He had been reported missing by his family several days prior. After being confronted by Secret Service agents and a deputy from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Martin refused to drop his weapons, leading to a fatal exchange of gunfire.
The man initially drove onto the resort as another vehicle was exiting, prompting the confrontation with law enforcement. Investigators believe Martin may have traveled south from North Carolina and acquired the shotgun along the way. Authorities are now working to determine his motive and compile a psychological profile. The FBI has also requested nearby residents to review their security camera footage for potential evidence.
This incident follows a series of recent acts of political violence in the US, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and an attempted assassination at Trump's 2024 campaign rally. Earlier that year, another individual, Ryan Routh, had attempted to assassinate Trump while he was playing golf near Mar-a-Lago. Routh was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted.
The breach at Mar-a-Lago occurred just five days before a man armed with a shotgun was apprehended as he approached the US Capitol. These events highlight an alarming trend of escalating political violence targeting prominent figures and institutions in the US. The Secret Service and FBI are now under increased scrutiny to enhance security measures, particularly around high-profile individuals like Trump.
This incident underscores the growing threat of politically motivated violence in the country. While Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago during the breach, his resort has become a recurring target for such incidents. The case is part of a broader pattern of attacks aimed at political figures and symbols of power, raising concerns about public safety and the stability of democratic institutions.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026