Mar-A-Lago, FL: A North Carolina man hit the highway recently and headed to President Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate where it is believed he picked up a shotgun and a can of gasoline along the way, the AP reported.
The man was later identified as Austin Tucker Martin, 21, of North Carolina. Family members recently reported him missing.
In a scenario reminiscent of a previous Mar-A-Lago encroachment, Martin drove into the North gate while another vehicle was exiting. The Secret Service agents who were posted at the gate confronted the man and ultimately shot and killed him to "neutralize the threat."
“He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him. At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position,” the Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.
The motive is not yet clear, and the full details of the confrontation are not available as the incident is currently still under investigation.
President Trump, who occasionally spends weekends at Mar-A-Lago, was at the White House during the incident.
Investigators started putting together a profile for Martin, and when media asked Bradshaw if he was known to law enforcement, he responded "not as of yet."
Media representatives were able to contact Martin’s family members who showed disbelief and shock over the incident.
Braeden Fields, Martin's cousin, was one such person.
“He’s a good kid,” Fields, 19, said. He said they grew up together. “I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing.”
He added, “He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun."
Fields told media that Martin didn't talk about politics and was “real quiet, never really talked about anything.”
He also told media that Martin was employed at a golf course and regularly contributed part of his pay to nonprofit organizations, but didn't provide specific charities.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident and has cordoned off the property listed as Martin’s residence in North Carolina, where a detailed search was conducted. The results of the search have not yet been released, and no timetable has been set.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X and posted, “The United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also posted on social media, “FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working with #SecretService as well as our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able.”
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Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
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