Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was shot and killed by the Secret Service after he entered Mar-a-Lago early on Sunday morning with what appeared to be a shotgun and a can of fuel.
When confronted by the agents, Martin refused to lower his gun and was ultimately shot and killed, according to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had,” Bradshaw told reporters, “at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.”
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not at Mar-a-Lago when Martin entered the premises. The pair was hosting the Governors’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and remained at the White House.
Martin, who is from Cameron, N.C., was reported missing to authorities on Saturday by his family. His mother also posted on Facebook that they were looking for Martin. Martin’s social media presence shows that he painted watercolors of popular golf courses.
Martin entered the west gate of the golf course when a guest was leaving the property. Following the agents’ encounter with Martin, they found the box for a shotgun in Martin’s vehicle. Officials are still investigating when and where he purchased the gun.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is “dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.”
“The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office,” the Secret Service said in a statement.
While the president has not yet commented on the incident, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X, applauded the Secret Service for acting “quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person.”
The president has previously faced two assassination attempts, one of which took place at Mar-a-Lago.
In September 2024, Ryan Routh was found hiding in the shrubs on the golf course, wielding a rifle and intending to shoot then–presidential candidate Trump. Routh was recently sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of the assassination attempt.
At a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., in July 2024, Thomas Crooks shot Trump in the ear while the candidate was speaking to a crowd of supporters. One attendee was killed. Crooks was shot and killed at the scene by the Secret Service.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she is speaking with the president and working with federal law enforcement in relation to Sunday’s incident.