Law enforcement shot and killed a man who had “unlawfully entered” the grounds of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, during the early morning hours on Sunday, according to the Secret Service.
According to the Secret Service, the individual, who was in his early twenties, was observed near the complex’s north gate carrying what looked like a shotgun and a fuel container.
The statement indicated that Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office fired at him.
At the time of the incident, President Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago.
The Secret Service stated that the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident, including the person’s background, actions, possible motive, and the use of force.
During a Sunday morning press briefing, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said that at 1:30 am, a deputy and two Secret Service agents encountered a “white male” who had entered the property’s inner perimeter while carrying a gas can and shotgun.
Bradshaw stated that authorities ordered him to drop the two items he was carrying. He set down the gas can but then raised the shotgun into a firing stance. At that moment, the deputy and two Secret Service agents discharged their weapons, neutralizing the threat. The suspect was pronounced dead at the location.
Bradshaw confirmed that no security officers were injured in the confrontation, and subsequently shared photos of the shotgun and fuel can with journalists at the briefing.
Earlier, in July 2024, President Trump had survived an assassination attempt while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was fired upon during a rally. One attendee died and two others suffered critical injuries. The assailant, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed by law enforcement.
Later, in September 2024, Secret Service personnel observed an individual concealed with a rifle in the shrubbery at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where the president was golfing just one hole away. That individual, later identified as , was convicted in September 2025 of attempting to assassinate the President.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed Fox News on Sunday morning that he had spoken with Trump, who expressed that he and his family “shouldn’t have to endure attempt after attempt.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said that the agency would commit all required resources to the investigation.
This story is still developing and will be updated accordingly.
