BREAKING: Armed Man Shot Dead at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Resort — Carried Shotgun and Fuel Can

A man in his early 20s was shot and killed by U.S. Secret Service agents in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026 ET, after breaching the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The incident has triggered a joint investigation by the FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office — and is sending new shockwaves through the security apparatus protecting the 47th president's prized Florida estate.

What Happened at Mar-a-Lago Tonight

The Secret Service said the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET when the suspect made an "unauthorized entry" at the property. The individual was observed near the north gate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.

The man drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago as another vehicle was exiting and was confronted by Secret Service agents. The agents confronted the armed man and he was fatally shot. Agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confronted the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No Secret Service or Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office personnel were injured.

Trump Was NOT at Mar-a-Lago During the Breach

Despite the president regularly spending weekends at Mar-a-Lago, he was not in Palm Beach when the intrusion occurred. Trump was at the White House during this incident. First Lady Melania Trump was also with the president at the White House on Saturday night. No Secret Service protectees were present at the property at the time, officials confirmed.

Who Was the Armed Intruder?

The suspect, who was in his early 20s and from North Carolina, was reported missing a few days ago by his family. Investigators believe he left North Carolina and headed south, picking up a shotgun along the way. The box for the gun was recovered in his vehicle. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Key facts about the intruder and the incident:

Motive Under Investigation by FBI

The potential motive of the individual is under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile, and a motive is still under investigation. The combination of a shotgun and a fuel can has drawn particular scrutiny from law enforcement sources.

Mar-a-Lago's History of Security Threats

Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort has faced an escalating pattern of security incidents in recent years. The incursion at Trump's Florida home is just a few miles from his West Palm Beach golf club where a man tried to assassinate Trump while he played golf during the 2024 election campaign. A Secret Service agent spotted that man, Ryan Routh, aiming a rifle through the shrubbery before Trump came into view. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire. Routh was found guilty and sentenced this month to life in prison.

Trump has previously faced serious security threats. He was injured during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.

About Mar-a-Lago: Trump's Florida Fortress

Mar-a-Lago is a resort and National Historic Landmark on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida. It spans 126 rooms and 62,500 square feet built on 17 acres of land. Since 1985, it has been owned by Donald Trump. Membership at the Mar-a-Lago Club required a $200,000 initiation fee, which was raised to $1 million in 2024, with annual dues of $20,000. The resort has served as Trump's preferred weekend retreat throughout his second term in office.

A joint press briefing was held at 9:00 a.m. ET Sunday morning with FBI and Palm Beach County officials. This is a developing story.