Secret Service Neutralizes Armed Intruder at Mar-a-Lago Security Perimeter

2026-02-22 politics

Palm Beach, Sunday, 22 February 2026.
Agents fatally shot a man wielding a shotgun and fuel can after he breached Mar-a-Lago’s north gate, underscoring persistent threats to executive leadership despite the President’s absence.

Breach at the North Gate

In the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, federal agents and local law enforcement were forced to use lethal force to neutralize a significant security threat at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. At approximately 1:30 a.m., an unidentified man in his early 20s unlawfully entered the secure perimeter of the Palm Beach resort [1][2]. According to the U.S. Secret Service, the suspect drove through the property’s north gate just as another vehicle was exiting, allowing him access to the grounds [1]. The individual was observed carrying a shotgun and a fuel can, presenting an immediate danger to the facility [1][6].

Neutralization and Presidential Location

Upon breaching the perimeter, the suspect was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy [1]. Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw reported that the intruder was ordered to drop his equipment; while he placed the fuel can on the ground, he subsequently raised the shotgun into a shooting position [1]. In response to this escalation, the agents and deputy fired their weapons, fatally wounding the suspect [1][8]. Crucially, President Trump was not at the Florida estate during the incident. He and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington, D.C., where the President had delivered remarks at the White House Governors Dinner on Saturday evening [1][3]. No Secret Service personnel or protectees were injured during the encounter [3][7].

Investigation and Suspect Profile

Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to determine the motive behind the incursion [6][8]. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect was from North Carolina and had been reported missing by his family several days prior [1]. Investigators believe he traveled south, acquiring the shotgun along the route; the packaging for the firearm was reportedly recovered from his vehicle [1]. Following standard protocol, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation [3]. Local impacts were felt immediately, with Southern Boulevard closed to incoming traffic as law enforcement processed the scene [5].

A Landscape of Political Violence

This breach adds to a disturbing trend of high-profile security threats and political violence targeting U.S. leadership over the last two years. The incident occurred just miles from the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where Ryan Routh attempted to assassinate the former President in 2024 [1][2]. Routh was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for that attempt [1][3]. Furthermore, the political landscape has been marred by recent tragedies, including the 2025 assassinations of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman, as well as an arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro [1][2]. This latest security failure at Mar-a-Lago underscores the persistent and evolving physical risks facing the executive branch.

Sources

National Security Law Enforcement