Austin Tucker Martin ID’d As Armed Intruder Shot Dead By Secret Service After Mar-a-Lago Breach

PALM BEACH, FL. (THECOUNT) — Austin Tucker Martin has been identified as the armed man shot and killed by United States Secret Service agents after breaching the security perimeter of  Mar-a-Lago resort early Sunday morning. Martin was 21. He was from North Carolina.

According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time when Martin drove through the north gate of the Palm Beach property as another vehicle was exiting. Law enforcement officials said he was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials stated that Martin was carrying a shotgun and a gasoline canister at the time of the confrontation. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said officers issued commands for Martin to drop the items. According to Bradshaw, Martin placed the gas can down but raised the shotgun into what was described as a shooting position. At that point, the Secret Service agents and the deputy discharged their weapons.

Authorities said the suspect was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. No injuries to law enforcement personnel were reported.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that Martin had been reported missing by his family several days earlier in North Carolina. Investigators believe Martin traveled from North Carolina to Florida prior to the incident. Officials said he obtained the shotgun during the course of that trip. A box for the firearm was later recovered from his vehicle, according to law enforcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the bureau is dedicating all necessary resources to the case and is coordinating with federal and local partners.

Authorities are continuing to examine Martin’s background, travel history, and communications in an effort to determine a motive. At this stage, officials emphasized that the motive remains under active investigation and has not been established.

The Secret Service has asked residents in the vicinity of Mar-a-Lago to review home security footage recorded during the early morning hours and provide any relevant video or images to investigators. Law enforcement officials said any information that may clarify the suspect’s movements prior to the breach would be valuable.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that she had spoken with President Trump and was coordinating with federal partners regarding the intrusion and shooting. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly praised the Secret Service response, stating that agents acted quickly and decisively in response to the armed intruder.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also commented on the incident during a television appearance, condemning what he described as hostile political rhetoric. He confirmed that he had spoken with the President following the shooting.

Mar-a-Lago, located in Palm Beach, serves as a private club and residence associated with President Trump. The property maintains layered security measures when the President is present, including federal protective detail and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

The breach is the latest in a series of security-related incidents involving Trump. In July 2024, he was wounded during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Two months later, an armed man was arrested near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course while the President was present at the property.

Officials reiterated that the investigation into Sunday’s incident remains ongoing. Further details are expected to be released as investigative findings are confirmed.

DEVELOPING::