An armed intruder was fatally shot by security personnel after penetrating the inner security perimeter of the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida during the early hours of Sunday morning, according to official statements from local authorities.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office reported that the security breach occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. when surveillance systems detected an unauthorized individual within the restricted compound. A coordinated response team comprising a sheriff’s deputy and two Secret Service agents immediately confronted the suspect, described as a white male armed with a shotgun and carrying a gasoline canister.
Law enforcement officials detailed that the individual was commanded to relinquish his weapons. While complying partially by placing the gasoline container on the ground, the suspect subsequently raised his shotgun into a combat-ready firing stance. This threatening movement prompted the security detail to discharge their service weapons, resulting in the suspect’s immediate fatality at the scene. No injuries were sustained by any responding officers.
Authorities confirmed that former President Donald Trump was absent from the Florida property during the security incident, eliminating any direct threat to the former commander-in-chief.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed primary jurisdiction over the case, deploying evidence collection specialists to meticulously process the scene. Local law enforcement agencies continue to provide operational support. Investigators have issued public appeals for residents in adjacent areas to review external security footage from the previous night and report any suspicious observations through official FBI channels or local sheriff’s tip lines.
Sheriff’s officials publicly commended the Secret Service for their rapid response and professional coordination, emphasizing that their decisive actions averted potential escalation. The FBI maintains an active investigation, with the identity and motivations of the deceased suspect remaining undisclosed pending further investigation and family notifications.