Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by the U.S. Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Florida residence, as Austin Tucker Martin. The incident took place on Sunday, according to law enforcement sources.
NBC was first to report that Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, had been reported missing by his mother through a Facebook post on Sunday morning.
Reports from the Associated Press indicate that Martin had traveled south from North Carolina in the days leading up to the confrontation.
On social media, the young man often shared his drawings and watercolors depicting golf courses in his region.
Martin attempted to breach the Mar-a-Lago security perimeter armed with a shotgun and a container of gasoline. The unauthorized entry occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time, prompting immediate action from the Secret Service.
At the time of the incident, no individuals under the direct protection of the Secret Service were present, suggesting President Trump was not at the Palm Beach property.
Authorities revealed that Martin was found at the north gate of Mar-a-Lago, appearing to be armed with a firearm and carrying a container of fuel. The situation escalated into a shooting when confronted by Secret Service agents and Palm Beach Sheriff's deputies, resulting in Martin being shot.
The official statement emphasized that no law enforcement personnel were injured during the exchange. An investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the event. As per standard protocol, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on temporary administrative leave pending further inquiry.
The Secret Service reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining rigorous security measures around the president's residences and movements.
Details Surrounding Mar-a-Lago Shooting Incident
Who was Austin Tucker Martin?
Austin Tucker Martin was a 21-year-old from North Carolina who was fatally shot by the U.S. Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago.
What led to the shooting at Mar-a-Lago?
The shooting occurred when Martin attempted to illegally enter Mar-a-Lago with a shotgun and a gasoline container, prompting a confrontation with Secret Service agents.
Was President Trump at Mar-a-Lago during the incident?
No, President Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the incident, as confirmed by the Secret Service.