Armed Intruder Shot Dead by Secret Service at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate

An armed man who forcibly entered US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was shot dead by agents of the United States Secret Service, according to media reports.

The incident occurred early Sunday morning (local time) inside the secured perimeter of Mar-a-Lago. Trump was not present at the property at the time.

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the incident in a post on social media platform X, stating that an armed individual was fatally shot after unlawfully entering the restricted grounds.

In a statement, the Secret Service said the shooting took place at around 1:30 a.m. The suspect, believed to be in his 20s, was seen near the estate’s north gate carrying a shotgun and what appeared to be a fuel container.

After the unauthorized breach, Secret Service agents, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, opened fire on the suspect. No law enforcement personnel were injured during the encounter.

Authorities said the individual’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s background, motives and the use of force, are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. In line with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Trump, who frequently spends weekends at Mar-a-Lago, has previously been the target of assassination plots and attempts.

Earlier this month, 59-year-old Ryan Routh was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting to assassinate Trump at a Florida golf course in September 2024, two months before the US election.

Two months prior to that, another assassination attempt took place in Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Matthew Crooks opened fire during a campaign rally. One bullet grazed Trump’s right ear, and one spectator was killed. Crooks was shot dead by security forces shortly after the attack. His motive remains unclear.