The investigation has been assumed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is currently collecting evidence and working to establish both a psychological profile and a potential motive. Authorities stated that no information regarding the individual’s intent has been confirmed at this time.
The confrontation occurred when two agents from the United States Secret Service, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, approached the man and ordered him to drop the items he was carrying. During a Sunday morning press conference, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that the individual initially placed a gas canister on the ground but then raised a shotgun into what was described as a firing position. Law enforcement officers subsequently discharged their weapons. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and no officers were injured.
Officials later identified the suspect as a man in his early twenties from North Carolina who had been reported missing by his family several days earlier. According to Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, investigators believe he traveled south from North Carolina and obtained the shotgun during his journey; the firearm’s box was recovered from his vehicle.
Authorities also reported that the suspect entered through the north gate of Mar-a-Lago while another vehicle was exiting the property. When asked whether the individual had prior contact with law enforcement, Sheriff Bradshaw stated that no such information was currently available.
