Incident at Mar-a-Lago Estate
Early Sunday morning, a significant event unfolded at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's Florida estate. According to the U.S. Secret Service, an armed man was shot and killed after he entered the property's secure perimeter. The individual, identified as Ryan Routh, was reportedly carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. While the incident occurred on a Sunday, President Trump was at the White House in Washington D.C. and not present at Mar-a-Lago at the time.
Timeline and Initial Reports
The breach and subsequent shooting took place around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office responded to the situation. Reports indicate that a Secret Service agent observed the man, Routh, aiming a rifle through shrubbery. The agent then opened fire, resulting in Routh dropping his weapon. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Key Fact: An armed man, Ryan Routh, was fatally shot by Secret Service after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago.
Official Statements and Evidence
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident, stating that the individual had made an "unauthorized entry" into the secure area.
"The U.S. Secret Service announced Sunday that an armed man was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida. A Secret Service agent spotted that man, Ryan Routh, aiming a rifle through the shrubbery before Trump came into view. Although Trump often spends weekends at his resort, he was at the White House during this incident. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire and caused Routh to drop his weapon. First lady Melania Trump was also with the president." (Article 1)
Officials have indicated that no Secret Service personnel or Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office personnel were injured during the encounter. Furthermore, it has been clarified that no Secret Service "protectees" were on the property at the time of the incident.
Detail: President Trump and no other "protectees" were at Mar-a-Lago during the event.
Ongoing Investigation
Details surrounding the specifics of the event are still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine how many shots were fired and whether the suspect's firearm was loaded. The involved Secret Service agents will be placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure pending the outcome of such investigations.
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Questions Remain:
How many shots were fired?
Was the suspect's weapon loaded?
What was the suspect's intent?
Security Measures and Protocols
The incident highlights the security protocols in place at Mar-a-Lago. The Secret Service is responsible for the protection of the President and other designated individuals. Their agents are trained to respond to security breaches. The fact that the agents engaged the individual and that the individual was pronounced dead at the scene indicates a perceived threat that led to the use of force.
Key Personnel Involved:
Ryan Routh: The armed individual who entered the perimeter.
Secret Service Agent: The agent who fired the fatal shot.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Deputy: Present at the scene.
Unanswered Questions
While the immediate event has been described, several aspects require further clarification. The exact manner in which the suspect breached the perimeter and the full sequence of events leading to the shooting are subjects of the ongoing inquiry.
Signal: The investigation will likely focus on the precise actions of Ryan Routh and the Secret Service agent's response.
Conclusion
An armed man, Ryan Routh, was fatally shot by Secret Service agents on Sunday morning after entering the secure perimeter of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. President Trump was not at the property at the time. The Secret Service has confirmed the incident, and investigations are underway to ascertain the full details of the breach and the shooting. No other individuals were harmed, and no Secret Service protectees were present.
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Sources:
Associated Press (AP News): Armed man shot and killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says. https://apnews.com/article/secret-service-president-trump-af8b23c318e2d7709d7b4a0105f8f516
BBC News: Live updates: Secret Service shoot man after 'unauthorised entry' at Mar-a-Lago. https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cr57l3rj3yqt
Fox News: Armed man shot and killed after ‘unauthorized entry’ into Mar-a-Lago: Secret Service. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/armed-man-shot-killed-after-unauthorized-entry-mar-a-lago-secret-service
CBS News: Man shot and killed after "unauthorized entry" into Mar-a-Lago perimeter, Secret Service says. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-shot-mar-a-lago-uanauthorized-entry-perimeter-secret-service/
USA Today: Man fatally shot near Mar-a-Lago after entering perimeter with weapons. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/trump/2026/02/22/man-fatally-shot-near-mar-a-lago-after-entering-secure-perimeter/88810786007/
The Guardian: Armed man shot and killed after entering Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, Secret Service says. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/mar-a-lago-armed-man-shot-killed