In a swift and decisive action, U.S. Secret Service agents fatally shot an armed intruder who breached the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The incident unfolded early Sunday morning at the West Palm Beach property, a frequent weekend retreat for the president.
Local media reports, citing Secret Service statements, indicate the young man, believed to be in his early 20s, was spotted carrying a shotgun and a fuel can near the north gate around 1:30 a.m. local time. Agents, in coordination with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies, neutralized the threat immediately, preventing any potential harm.
This is not the first security breach at Trump’s Florida estate. Just months ago in September 2024, another suspect was spotted lurking with a rifle while Trump played golf nearby. That individual, later identified as Ryan Routh, fled the scene in an SUV but was apprehended shortly after in a neighboring area. Authorities recovered a rifle, backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera from the site.
Routh had a complex background, initially supporting Trump’s re-election before shifting allegiances. The current intruder’s identity, motives, and history remain under wraps as the FBI, Secret Service, and local police launch a thorough investigation.
Secret Service protocol mandates administrative leave for involved agents pending the probe’s outcome. Trump was safely in Washington at the White House during the event, underscoring the relentless vigilance required for his protection.
As details emerge, this incident highlights the persistent threats facing high-profile figures and the elite training of those safeguarding them. Mar-a-Lago, often called the ‘Winter White House,’ continues to symbolize both luxury and vulnerability in the political landscape.