Secret Service agents shot and killed a man who attempted to breach a secure perimeter at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, early Saturday, the agency said. Trump is currently in Washington.
The Secret Service said the man, described as being in his 20s, was seen at the resort’s north gate around 1:30 a.m. local time carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Agents opened fire after he tried to unlawfully enter the protected area, according to the agency.
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Officials said the suspect’s intentions at the resort remain unclear. No additional details about the encounter were immediately released.
Mar-a-Lago, a private members club and Trump’s primary residence in Florida, has long operated under heightened security protocols due to Trump’s status as a protectee. The Secret Service said the resort’s perimeter is routinely monitored and controlled, with agents responding to potential threats as they arise.
The attempted breach comes amid sustained focus on political security and threats targeting high-profile figures. In 2024, Trump faced two assassination attempts, including one at his golf course in West Palm Beach.
The Secret Service did not say whether any warning was issued before shots were fired, nor did the agency immediately provide information about the suspect beyond his approximate age and the items he was carrying. It was not clear whether any other individuals were present at the gate when the incident occurred.
Trump’s presence in Washington indicates he was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time. The agency did not specify whether other family members or guests were on the property overnight.
Mar-a-Lago has served as a frequent backdrop for Trump’s political activity and events, requiring complex security planning that involves physical barriers, credentialed access points and rapid-response teams. The north gate, like other entry points, is typically staffed and surveilled around the clock.
Authorities said the suspect’s motive is unknown. The Secret Service’s protective mission centers on preventing unauthorized access and neutralizing potential threats to current and former national leaders. The agency routinely reviews security procedures after incidents of this nature.
Further information, including the identity of the man and any findings about his background or possible affiliations, was not immediately available. The Secret Service said updates would be provided as more details are confirmed.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
