Secret Service Kills Armed Man Who Breached Mar-a-Lago Security Perimeter Overnight: Officials

An armed individual was shot and killed after breaching the perimeter of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, early Sunday morning.

According to Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the U.S. Secret Service, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 22. The individual, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was seen near the resort’s north gate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.

Law enforcement officers, including U.S. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, confronted the individual. During the encounter, shots were fired.

Officials confirmed that no Secret Service personnel or sheriff’s deputies were injured. There were also no protected individuals present at the property at the time.

Donald Trump, who frequently stays at Mar-a-Lago on weekends, was at the White House in Washington, D.C., during the incident, as was Melania Trump, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. The FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are jointly reviewing the individual’s background, actions, possible motive, and the use of force.

In line with agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The individual’s identity is being withheld until next-of-kin notifications are completed.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is committing all necessary resources to the investigation and will continue coordinating with federal and state partners.

The incident adds to a series of security threats Trump has faced in recent years.

One widely reported episode occurred during a July 2024 campaign rally, when Thomas Matthew Crooks allegedly attempted to shoot Trump. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper, while Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his upper right ear.

In a separate incident later that year, Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club after allegedly hiding near the course with a rifle. A Secret Service agent detected the threat and opened fire, prompting Routh to flee without firing any shots. He was later sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 84 months.