Secret Service And Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Kill Man In His 20s After He Breaches Inner Perimeter Armed With Shotgun And Gasoline Can

Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:00 A.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

PALM BEACH, FL.- A man in his early 20s was fatally shot by United States Secret Service agents, and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office early Sunday morning after unlawfully entering the inner secured perimeter of Mar‑a‑Lago, the private estate associated with former President Donald J. Trump, authorities confirmed.

     The shooting occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Officials stressed that President Trump was not at the estate at the time of the incident and was in Washington, D.C.

     According to a joint law enforcement statement released Sunday, the man, whose identity has not yet been released, was discovered inside the inner perimeter of the Mar-a-Lago property near the north gate while carrying a shotgun and a can of gasoline. The area is considered a restricted zone, access to which is prohibited without authorization.

Confrontation And Use Of Deadly Force;

     Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy confronted the individual after observing him inside the secured area. Officers issued multiple commands ordering the man to drop the shotgun and the gas can, authorities said.

     Officials stated that the man initially complied in part, placing the gasoline can on the ground. Moments later, however, he raised and pointed the shotgun in the direction of the officers, creating what law enforcement described as an immediate and deadly threat.

     At that point, Secret Service agents and the deputy fired their service weapons, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

     No law enforcement personnel were injured during the encounter. Authorities confirmed that no protectees were present on the property at the time of the shooting.

Statements From Law Enforcement;

     During a Sunday morning briefing, Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff of Palm Beach County, detailed the moments leading up to the shooting.

     “He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him,” Bradshaw said. “At which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position. The two agents and the deputy fired their weapons to neutralize the threat.” 

     A senior Secret Service official also confirmed the sequence of events. Rafael Barros, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Miami Field Office, stated that the individual’s actions left officers with no alternative but to use lethal force.

     A senior Secret Service official also confirmed the sequence of events. Rafael Barros, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Miami Field Office, stated that the individual’s actions left officers with no alternative but to use lethal force.

Investigation And Background;

     Authorities have not released the man’s name pending notification of his next of kin. Law enforcement officials said preliminary information indicates the individual traveled from North Carolina in the days leading up to the incident and obtained the shotgun while en route to Florida.

     The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation alongside the Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, reconstructing the man’s movements, and examining potential motives.

     Officials said nearby residents have been asked to review private security camera footage that may assist investigators in determining how the man accessed the inner perimeter of the estate.

Security Implications;

     While former President Trump was not present and no political figures were endangered, the incident is expected to prompt a broader review of security measures surrounding properties associated with current and former presidents.

     Sunday’s shooting underscores the ongoing challenges faced by federal and local agencies tasked with protecting high-profile locations amid heightened security concerns nationwide.

Editor’s Note:

This article was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and is based on official statements and briefings from the United States Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as of publication time. The investigation remains active, and additional details, including the identity and motive of the individual involved, may be released as authorities continue their review. Englebrook Independent News will update this report as confirmed information becomes available.