A man armed with a shotgun and gasoline entered the security perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, before being shot and killed by law enforcement early Sunday morning, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service.
Details of the Incident
The man, approximately 20 years old and from North Carolina, was carrying a gasoline can and a shotgun, according to Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesperson. His family had reported him missing days prior, and investigators believe he traveled south and acquired the shotgun along the way.
A box for the weapon was found in the man’s vehicle following the incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. He confronted two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy after entering through the north gate of the property, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Bradshaw stated the man was ordered to drop the items he was carrying. He then “left the gasoline can and raised the shotgun in a firing position,” at which point the agents and deputy discharged their firearms to neutralize the threat.
The FBI has requested that residents near Mar-a-Lago review any security camera footage they may have to assist investigators.
The identity of the man who died has not been publicly released. Investigators are working to develop a psychological profile and the motive remains under investigation. Bradshaw stated, “At this time, we do not have any.”
A Pattern of Threats
This incident comes amid a broader context of political violence in the United States. President Trump has faced previous threats to his life, including two attempted assassinations during the 2024 campaign.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were at the White House at the time of the incident at Mar-a-Lago.
Previously, in 2024, a man attempted to assassinate Trump while he was golfing at a club in West Palm Beach. An agent intervened when the man, Ryan Routh, aimed a rifle at him. Routh was convicted last year and sentenced this month to life in prison.
Trump also survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired eight shots before being shot by a Secret Service sniper.
The White House referred all inquiries to the Secret Service and the FBI.
Other recent incidents of political violence include the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the murder of a Minnesota state House leader and her husband, a shooting involving another legislator and their spouse, and an arson attack on the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Five days prior to the Mar-a-Lago incident, a man from Georgia armed with a shotgun was arrested while running toward the West side of the U.S. Capitol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Mar-a-Lago?
Mar-a-Lago is owned by President Donald Trump, who acquired the property in 1985.
Where is Mar-a-Lago located?
Mar-a-Lago is located on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida.
What happened during the incident at Mar-a-Lago?
A man entered the security perimeter of Mar-a-Lago carrying a shotgun and a gasoline can before being shot and killed by law enforcement.
Given the recent increase in politically motivated violence, what steps might be taken to further enhance security at prominent locations and for public figures?
