A man armed with a shotgun and gasoline containers was fatally shot by security personnel after breaching the perimeter of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on February 22, 2026, according to reports from U.S. Authorities. The incident raises fresh concerns about security surrounding the former president and comes amid a period of heightened political tension in the United States.
Officials from the U.S. Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office opened fire on the intruder after he illegally entered the secure area surrounding the property. The development was reported by BBC Thai and Thai PBS.
The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Thaiger reported that Martin was a self-proclaimed fan of the former president. Authorities are investigating his motives for the attempted intrusion.
At the time of the incident, President Trump and the First Lady were at the White House in Washington, D.C. Trump was reportedly informed of the situation Sunday morning, officials stated. Thai PBS noted the timing of the event.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, seeking to determine the full extent of Martin’s plans and any potential connections to broader extremist groups. Matichon Online reported on the ongoing investigation.
This incident follows a previous security scare in July 2024, when a shot was fired near Trump during a rally, narrowly missing his ear, as BBC Thai reported. The latest breach underscores the challenges faced by security forces in protecting high-profile figures in an increasingly polarized political climate.
