An armed man in his early 20s was shot dead by US Secret Service agents after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter of former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida early Sunday morning, officials confirmed.
Trump was not present at the property when the incident occurred.
Intruder carried shotgun and fuel can
According to a statement issued by the United States Secret Service, the breach took place at approximately 1.30 am. The individual was spotted near the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
Secret Service agents, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, opened fire following the unauthorised entry. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. No security personnel were injured during the encounter.
The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Multi-agency probe under way
The incident is currently under investigation by the FBI, the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are examining the individual’s background, potential motive and the circumstances surrounding the use of force.
In accordance with standard protocol, the agents involved have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Trump has previously been the target of assassination plots and attempts, including incidents in Pennsylvania and Florida during the 2024 election cycle.
Officials said further details will be released as the investigation progresses.