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An alarming security breach occurred early Sunday morning at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, culminating in a deadly confrontation. The incident involved an armed intruder who managed to penetrate the secure boundaries of the property.
The U.S. Secret Service revealed that around 1:30 a.m., the suspect gained entry by driving through a gate just as another vehicle was leaving, as reported by Fox 8 Live. The quick-thinking actions of security personnel quickly brought the situation under control, but not without serious consequences.
Identified as Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, the intruder’s presence at Mar-a-Lago raised immediate concerns. Reports indicate that Martin had been reported missing by his family days before his ill-fated journey to Florida.
Investigations suggest that during his travels, Martin acquired a shotgun, with a box for the weapon later found in his car. According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, Martin was also carrying a gas can, adding another layer of mystery to his intentions.
U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said Martin also had a gas can.
The breach occurred at the resort’s north gate, where two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy incercepted Martin.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw detailed the final moments of the encounter during a press briefing.
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” Bradshaw said, “At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.”
The reported assailant was “deceased at the scene,” according to Bradsaw.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not present at the Florida club during the incident. Both were at the White House in DC, according to Fox 8 Live.
The FBI is leading the ongoing investigation. Director Kash Patel stated on X that updates will be provided as they become available.
The “FBI is dedicating all necessary resources to the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago.” Patel said.
“We will continue working closely with SecretService as well as our state and federal partners.”
Currently, investigators are developing a psychological profile of the suspect and trying to determine a specific motive.
They are reviewing local security footage. Residents near the resort are asked to provide any relevant recordings.
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: FILE- The Mar-a-Lago resort owned by President-elect Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Fla., is seen Nov. 21, 2016. As the Justice Department’s probe into former President Donald Trump’s handling of White House materials deepens, lawmakers of both parties have more questions than answers. The search of Trump’s private club is unprecedented for a former president. Intelligence officials have offered to brief congressional leaders possibly as soon as next week. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)]