BY Rosemary
An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s private resort in Palm Beach, Florida, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
The incident unfolded at approximately 1:30 a.m. near the north gate of the property, a heavily guarded entrance to the estate where Trump frequently spends weekends. At the time of the breach, however, the president was at the White House in Washington. First lady Melania Trump was also in the capital Saturday night.
In a statement, the Secret Service said the individual was observed near the north gate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Agents monitoring the area identified the potential threat and responded as the suspect drove through the gate while another vehicle was exiting the property.
Law enforcement officials said the man, described as being in his early 20s and from North Carolina, had been reported missing by his family several days earlier. Investigators believe he traveled south from North Carolina and obtained a shotgun during the journey. The box for the firearm was later recovered inside his vehicle, according to Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
When agents confronted the suspect inside the secured perimeter, gunfire erupted. The man was fatally shot by Secret Service personnel and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not released the individual’s name pending notification of next of kin.
Officials said investigators are working to determine a motive and are compiling a psychological profile as part of the ongoing inquiry. It remains unclear what the suspect intended to do after entering the property.
Mar-a-Lago has long been under extensive security protection due to its association with Trump. The sprawling estate in Palm Beach serves both as a private club and as the president’s personal residence when he is in Florida.
The breach comes amid heightened concerns about threats against political figures in the United States. Trump has previously survived multiple assassination attempts.
On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman opened fire, striking Trump in the ear. The assailant was killed by a Secret Service counter sniper moments after firing multiple shots into the crowd.
Two months later, on September 15, 2024, another armed man was apprehended near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach while the president was playing a round. In that case, a Secret Service agent spotted the suspect aiming a rifle through shrubbery before Trump came into view. Officials said the man pointed the weapon toward the agent, who opened fire, prompting the suspect to drop the rifle. The suspect was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison earlier this month.
Saturday’s incident at Mar-a-Lago occurred only a few miles from that golf course, underscoring the persistent security challenges surrounding the president’s properties in South Florida.
The latest breach also takes place against a broader backdrop of political violence that has unsettled the country in recent years. High-profile attacks have targeted elected officials and public figures across the political spectrum, intensifying debate over security measures and public safety.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the shooting. Authorities said the investigation remains active, and additional details are expected to be released as the review continues.
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