Palm Beach, Florida — Feb. 22, 2026
An armed man was shot and killed after attempting to enter a restricted security zone at Mar-a-Lago, the private residence of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to officials. The incident was confirmed in a statement by the U.S. Secret Service and first reported by the Associated Press.
Suspect Entered Secured Zone Armed
Authorities said the confrontation occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time when Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office encountered a man who had unlawfully entered a protected area of the property.
Officials stated the individual was carrying a shotgun and a fuel container when he was spotted near the estate’s north gate. Agents confronted him and discharged their weapons during the encounter. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Law enforcement confirmed that no federal agents or local personnel were injured during the incident.
No Protectees Present at the Time
According to the official statement, no individuals under Secret Service protection were present at the residence when the breach occurred. Authorities did not specify whether Trump was in Florida at the time of the incident.
Multi-Agency Investigation Launched
A joint investigation is now underway involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and local authorities. Investigators will review the suspect’s background, actions prior to the incident, possible motive, and whether the use of force complied with federal policy.
Under standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, the agents involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
