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First pictures and name emerge after Mar-a-Lago gunman shot dead by Secret Service
An armed man who was shot dead after breaching security at Mar‑a‑Lago early Sunday morning has been named as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin.
The United States Secret Service says the suspect was carrying a shotgun and posed an 'imminent threat.'
What happened during the Mar-a-Lago breach
The incident unfolded at around 1:30am local time when the man drove through an access point and entered the secure perimeter of the Florida estate.
Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confronted him near the north gate.
Police say the suspect was ordered multiple times to drop his weapon.
According to authorities, he placed a fuel canister on the ground but then raised the shotgun towards officers.
At that point, Secret Service agents opened fire, killing the man at the scene.
No agents or deputies were injured during the confrontation.
Officials confirmed that no protectees were present at the property at the time.
Donald Trump and his wife Melania were in Washington, DC attending a governors’ event.
In a statement, the Secret Service said: “During the encounter, the individual brandished a firearm and was shot by Secret Service personnel. This action was taken to protect lives.”
The agents involved have been placed on administrative leave, which the agency described as standard procedure following a use-of-force incident.
The White House also issued a statement praising law enforcement for their response and said federal agencies are 'fully engaged' in reviewing the incident.
Name and images of the suspect released
Authorities later identified the man as Austin Tucker Martin, a 21-year-old artist from North Carolina.
Police confirmed Martin had been reported missing by his family several days before the shooting.
Investigators believe he travelled from North Carolina to Florida in the days leading up to the incident.
Law enforcement say the shotgun was likely obtained during that journey.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now leading efforts to determine Martin’s motive.
In a statement, the FBI said it is 'conducting a full review of the individual’s background, movements and digital footprint.'
Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said there is no evidence at this stage that the suspect intended to target a specific individual.
The White House added that there is 'no ongoing threat to the public.'
Authorities are appealing for any surveillance footage that may show Martin’s movements before he entered the estate.
The investigation remains ongoing.