An armed man in his 20s was shot and killed early this morning after attempting to unlawfully enter the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, according to the United States Secret Service.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at the property’s north gate. Officials say the individual, who has not yet been publicly identified pending notification of next of kin, was observed carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Secret Service agents, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, confronted the suspect after he allegedly attempted to scale the gate.
Shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter, and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that former President Donald Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the incident. He was reportedly attending an event at the White House. Officials also stated that no Secret Service protectees were harmed and that the suspect did not successfully breach the secured perimeter.
A press briefing from the Secret Service and local authorities is expected later this morning to provide additional details. Investigators are working to determine the suspect’s motive, background, and whether the act was premeditated.
The attempted breach underscores the ongoing security challenges at Mar-a-Lago, a property that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach, Florida. Its geographic exposure on multiple sides presents unique protection complexities for federal and local law enforcement agencies.
This marks the latest in a series of security incidents involving threats against Trump, prompting heightened vigilance by protective services. Officials say a full investigation is underway.