Armed intruder shot and killed by US Secret Service at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago

Florida: Secret Service agents shot and killed an armed intruder early Sunday after he breached the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, the Florida residence and private club of President Donald Trump.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. while the president and first lady, Melania Trump, were at the White House. According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, the suspect was observed near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel canister.

Investigators identified the deceased as a man in his early 20s from North Carolina who had been reported missing by his family several days ago. Guglielmi stated the suspect likely travelled south specifically to target the estate, allegedly purchasing a shotgun during the trip. The man reportedly gained entry by driving through the north gate as another vehicle was exiting, at which point he was intercepted and fatally shot by Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy.

“Investigators are working to compile a psychological profile, and a motive is still under investigation,” Guglielmi said. A firearm box was later recovered from the suspect's vehicle.

A Pattern of Political Violence

The breach follows a series of high-profile threats against the president. Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, and a second attempt on September 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach golf course. The perpetrator of the second attempt, Ryan Routh, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month.

The Mar-a-Lago incursion also comes amid a surge in domestic political violence. Over the past year, the U.S. has seen the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university, the fatal shooting of Minnesota State House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and an arson attack at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Enhanced Security Posture

Palm Beach authorities and the FBI are currently assisting the Secret Service in a comprehensive sweep of the Mar-a-Lago grounds. While the president often spends his weekends at the oceanfront resort, he has remained in Washington this week following a series of briefings on international trade and the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding his administration's tariff powers.

The White House has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the shooting.

With inputs from AP