ISTANBUL

A man was shot and killed by US Secret Service agents early Sunday after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, the Florida estate of US President Donald Trump, authorities said.

"A male in his early 20s was shot by US Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office following an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said on US social media company X.

The man was seen near the property's north gate around 1.30 am local time (0630GMT) carrying "what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can" before law enforcement confronted and shot him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Confrontation

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said a deputy and two Secret Service agents responded to the area and confronted the suspect, who was a white male. Officers ordered him to drop both the shotgun and the fuel can.

"He put the gas can down and pointed the shotgun at officers," Bradshaw said, at which point law enforcement opened fire. He said it was not yet known how many shots were fired but confirmed body cameras were in use.

Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros confirmed the sequence of events, saying the suspect was armed with a shotgun and in possession of a gasoline canister when "agents and the deputy discharged firearms to stop the threat."

No Secret Service or sheriff's office personnel were injured. Neither Trump nor anyone under Secret Service protection was at the property at the time.

- Investigation

The FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office have launched a joint investigation into the incident, including the man's background, potential motives, and the use of force.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles said an Evidence Response Team was processing the scene and would continue "for as long as it takes."

Skiles also urged the area residents to check their exterior security cameras. "If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, please contact us," he said.

Bradshaw confirmed the FBI is the lead investigative agency, with his office assisting as needed.

Agents involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.

The man's identity was withheld pending notification of his family.

In September 2024, Trump – then a private citizen seeking to win back the presidency for a second term – was the target of an assassination attempt while golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida. The would-be assassin was captured, tried, and sentenced to life in prison.

The incident followed an assassination attempt that July in Pennsylvania, with a bullet grazing Trump's neck during a campaign rally.