A man in his early 20s was shot and killed by law enforcement early Sunday morning after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago while appearing to be armed, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, released a statement just before 9 a.m. ET detailing the incident. He confirmed that no Secret Service protectees were present at the time of the breach. President Donald Trump was in Washington on Saturday night hosting a dinner.
According to the statement, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on February 22. The individual, whose name has not been released pending notification of next of kin, entered the secure perimeter of the Mar-a-Lago property without authorization.
Law enforcement observed the man near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confronted the individual, and shots were fired during the encounter.
The man was pronounced deceased following the shooting. No Secret Service agents or Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office personnel were injured in the incident.
“There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident,” Guglielmi stated, underscoring that President Trump was not on the premises when the breach occurred.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The FBI, the U.S. Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are jointly reviewing the individual’s background, actions, potential motive and the use of force during the confrontation.
In keeping with standard agency protocol, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The early morning breach highlights the serious security measures in place around Mar-a-Lago, a property protected by federal and local law enforcement due to its status as a frequent residence of a president. When individuals attempt to unlawfully enter restricted areas — particularly while appearing to be armed — agents are trained to respond swiftly to neutralize potential threats.
Officials have not yet released additional details about what led the individual to approach the property or whether he made any statements prior to the confrontation. Investigators are expected to examine all available evidence, including surveillance footage and witness accounts, as part of the ongoing probe.
The Secret Service emphasized that the review will examine every aspect of the incident, including the decision to use deadly force. Administrative leave for the agents involved is described as routine procedure in officer-involved shootings and does not imply wrongdoing.
As the investigation moves forward, authorities say more information will be provided when appropriate. For now, officials have confirmed that the threat was addressed, no law enforcement personnel were injured and no protectees were placed in harm’s way during the overnight security breach.
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