Armed man shot dead at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort; more details on man in 20s

WASHINGTON, D.C.: An armed man who entered the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, was shot and killed. The Secret Service said they the attacker's was a man in his early 20s and he was shot by two U.S. Secret Service agents and a PBSO deputy. No law enforcement officers were injured.

The suspect, carrying a shotgun and a fuel can, ignored orders to drop them, putting down the can but aiming the weapon, prompting agents to shoot. The Secret Service says the attacker drove through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago as another vehicle was exiting. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said he is not sure who shot the man, how many shots were fired, or if the suspect's shotgun was loaded.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were at the White House on Saturday night, February 21, 2026, hosting a Governors Dinner, rather than at their Florida resort. The Secret Service reminded that attackers have targeted Trump in similar ways before.

The man from North Carolina was reported missing by his family a few days ago. Investigators believe he may have left North Carolina and traveled south, possibly picking up a gun on the way. The gun case was found in his vehicle.

“The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the US Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office,” said Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service’s communications chief .