A cousin of the man killed after breaching the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate said the episode was “mind-blowing” and out of character. Authorities say law enforcement shot the man early Sunday after he entered the Palm Beach property and raised what appeared to be a shotgun. Trump was not at the estate at the time.
A family member says he “never talked politics”
Braeden Fields, 19, told the Associated Press that his cousin, Austin Tucker Martin, was quiet and did not discuss politics. Fields said their family supported Trump, but he described Martin as withdrawn and not engaged in political talk.
Fields also described Martin as generous. He said Martin worked at a local golf course and donated money he earned to charity. Fields added that Martin feared guns and “doesn’t even know how to use a gun,” according to reports summarizing the AP interview.
What police say happened at the north gate
The U.S. Secret Service said the incident happened around 1:30 a.m. near the north gate. Officials said Martin entered through the gate as another vehicle exited, then moved inside the secured area. A secure perimeter is a restricted zone protected by barriers and armed security, where entry requires authorization.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the suspect carried what looked like a shotgun and a fuel can. Bradshaw said officers told him to drop the items. He said the man put down the fuel can, then raised the shotgun into a firing position. A deputy and two Secret Service agents then fired, according to Bradshaw’s account.
Authorities pronounced the suspect dead at the scene. No law enforcement officers reported injuries, according to early official statements and reporting.
A missing-person report hours before the breach
Reporting in North Carolina said Martin’s family reported him missing shortly after the incident window began. WRAL also quoted neighbors who described the family’s distress and a brief text message the mother received saying he was okay and that he loved her.
Officials in Florida said they had not previously dealt with the suspect, based on early public comments cited by news outlets. Federal authorities took the lead on the investigation.
Federal investigators focus on motive and evidence
The FBI is leading the investigation with support from the Secret Service and local authorities, according to multiple reports. Investigators said they would review evidence and footage from the scene as they work to understand what drove the breach.
The incident renewed attention on security around Mar-a-Lago, a property that draws heavy protective measures when Trump is present. Officials have not publicly identified a motive, and investigators have not announced any charges because the suspect died at the scene