A 21-year-old man was fatally shot after entering Mar-a-Lago early Sunday while carrying a shotgun and a gasoline canister. Authorities later identified him.

An armed intruder was shot and killed by the United States Secret Service after breaching security near Mar-a-Lago, the Florida home and private club associated with Donald Trump, early Sunday morning.

At the time of the incident, Trump was not at the property. He was in Washington, D.C., for official engagements.

During a press conference later that morning, Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. ET after a security alert indicated someone had entered the property.

Two Secret Service agents and one sheriff’s deputy responded to the north gate, where they encountered a white male carrying a shotgun and a gasoline can.

PALM BEACH, FL – JANUARY 11: The Atlantic Ocean is seen adjacent to President Donald Trump’s beachfront Mar-a-Lago resort, also sometimes called his Winter White House, on January 11, 2018 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“He was ordered to drop the items he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can and raised the shotgun into a firing position,” the sheriff said.

Intruder identified as Austin Tucker Martin, 21

“At that point, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents discharged their weapons and stopped the threat. He was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Bradshaw confirmed that none of the officers were injured. He also said it was unclear whether the shotgun was loaded. A photo of the weapon and fuel canister was later shown to reporters.

Initially, authorities did not release the man’s identity. Later Sunday, the Associated Press reported that investigators identified him as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, citing a source who spoke anonymously because the investigation remains active.

Austin Tucker Martin. Credit: Facebook

In another statement, the Secret Service said the suspect was in his early 20s and from North Carolina. His family had reported him missing just days earlier.

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believe the man traveled from North Carolina and obtained the shotgun during his trip. The firearm’s packaging was reportedly found inside his vehicle.

Investigation remains ongoing

Trump’s private living quarters are located in a separate building on the property. Mar-a-Lago is also a members-only club used by wealthy guests and is often the site of political events and visits by international figures.

The White House later released a statement praising law enforcement for their actions and said federal agencies are “fully engaged” in reviewing what happened.

In a separate statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it is “conducting a full review of the individual’s background, movements, and digital footprint.”

Sheriff Bradshaw said there is currently no evidence the suspect intended to target a specific individual. The investigation remains ongoing.

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