Feb. 22, 2026 — Palm Beach, Fla. — U.S. Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy shot and killed 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from Cameron, North Carolina, after he breached the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Martin, armed with what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel or gas can, drove through the north gate as another vehicle exited and failed to comply with orders to drop his items, instead raising the weapon.
The Secret Service reported that agents issued commands for Martin to drop the items before opening fire. President Trump was not at the property and was reportedly at the White House.
The FBI is investigating Martin’s motive and the purchase of the gun. Authorities noted that Martin had been reported missing in North Carolina prior to the incident.
Palm Beach County officials identified Martin, and the sheriff’s office confirmed the deputy’s involvement in the response, as detailed by NBC News.
CBC News published a video embed of the Secret Service statement confirming the sequence of events. International outlets including Deutsche Welle covered the perimeter breach and rapid response.
Real-time discussion on X included posts from journalists sharing details, such as the Washington Post’s official update and others aligning with major reports. No conflicting accounts emerged from initial coverage.
