Man Shot at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Residence – Secret Service Releases First Photo & Identifies Him

In the dead of night, under the heavy Florida darkness that cloaks one of America's most closely guarded addresses, a tense encounter unfolded at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate — ending in a burst of gunfire and a young man lying dead on the grounds.

What began as what authorities described as an unauthorized entry attempt has now spiraled into a chilling federal investigation, complete with a missing persons alert, a weapon, and haunting questions about motive.

The confrontation happened at the Palm Beach property during the early morning hours, drawing an immediate response from the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement. Officials later addressed the situation in a press briefing, outlining the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting.

What Happened at Mar-a-Lago?

The incident unfolded shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, according to law enforcement officials during a press briefing.

U.S. Secret Service agents encountered an individual on the Palm Beach property during what authorities described as an unauthorized entry attempt. The man, said to be in his early 20s, was seen carrying what looked like a shotgun and a fuel can — a combination that immediately raised alarm within the estate's inner security perimeter.

Officials said agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) noticed him in the inner perimeter by the north gate of the property as another vehicle was leaving and confronted him. When confronted, the situation escalated in seconds, and shots were fired, leading to the death of the man.

Initially, authorities withheld his identity while they waited to notify his next of kin. They confirmed no agent was harmed and announced that an investigation had begun into why the man allegedly tried to force his way onto the property, as well as his background and possible motive.

They concluded their press statement by revealing that the agents involved would be placed on administrative leave per the agency's policy.

Later, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw provided a stark account of the deadly encounter. He confirmed, "They confronted a white male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun. He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him – at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position. At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat."

The sheriff added that the man did not exchange words with the agents before raising the weapon. After he was shot, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

From Missing Persons Alert to Federal Investigation

The man was later identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin — and the story took another unsettling turn. He was reported missing by his family before the incident took place.

At approximately 1:38 a.m. that same Sunday morning, a relative approached a deputy at a local business to report Austin missing. He was promptly entered into a national missing persons database.

Following that report, federal officials notified the Sheriff's Office that Austin was under an active federal investigation in Florida. At the request of federal authorities, details from the missing persons case were transferred to their agency.

The Moore County Sheriff's Office said it had no previous dealings with Austin before the missing persons report and is not participating in the Florida investigation.

Authorities directed any additional inquiries about the shooting or related investigative issues to the FBI's Miami Field Office and the United States Secret Service. The investigation remains active.

At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington, D.C. Federal officials believe Austin may have traveled to Florida intending to target the president.

During the press briefing, officials displayed a photograph of the gas can and shotgun recovered at the scene — chilling evidence now central to the expanding probe. However, as the investigations continue, officials want to know if he bought the weapon while leaving his home state, where his family reported him missing on Saturday.

Before the Investigation, a Celebration

The last time the Trumps were at their Mar-a-Lago residence, the mood could not have been more different. The couple had rung in the new year with a lavish celebration at the estate — a longstanding family tradition stretching back decades.

For the glamorous event, Melania dazzled in a silver sequined maxi gown cinched at the waist with a matching belt. She paired the look with glittering Christian Louboutin pumps.

Her makeup was understated and elegant, and her highlighted hair was parted down the center, cascading in soft waves. Her husband opted for an all-black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and bow tie.

Melania was not the only guest shimmering under the chandeliers. Eric Trump's wife, Lara Trump, embraced metallic glamor in a rose gold sequined gown that coordinated with the first lady's look.

Other notable attendees included Brett Ratner, director of "Melania," the Amazon MGM Studios documentary about the first lady; U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem; Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Donald Trump Jr.; Barron Trump; and Eric Trump.

Now, as federal authorities continue examining Austin's movements, his motive, and how he obtained the weapon, the opulent halls of Mar-a-Lago stand in stark contrast to the violence that unfolded at its gates.

What began as a quiet weekend at one of the nation's most high-profile properties has transformed into the focus of an intensifying federal investigation — one that officials stress will be guided by evidence, timeline reconstruction, and close coordination between local and national law enforcement.

With agents on administrative leave and multiple agencies scrutinizing every detail, the questions surrounding that early morning confrontation linger heavily in the Florida air. As authorities dig deeper, one thing is certain: the investigation is far from over.