US President Donald Trump on Monday responded to the fatal shooting of an armed intruder at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, describing the incident as another example of the security threats he faces. Speaking a day after the episode, Trump said he remains a frequent target, adding, “I don’t know how long I’ll be around. A lot of people are targeting me.” He also recalled that two assassination attempts were made against him during the 2024 presidential campaign.
Maintaining a mix of seriousness and sarcasm, Trump said individuals who carry out such attacks often focus on “powerful presidents” rather than those without influence. Referring to former US presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, who were assassinated while in office, Trump remarked that perhaps being an “ordinary president” might offer greater safety.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. when 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina allegedly rammed his vehicle through the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago estate. Security personnel observed that he was carrying a shotgun and a petrol can. Despite repeated warnings to drop the weapon, Martin allegedly pointed the firearm toward officers, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Martin had reportedly left his home in North Carolina days earlier and is believed to have obtained the shotgun during his travel to Florida. A gun case was recovered from his vehicle. Trump was not present at the resort at the time of the incident. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that Martin’s family had filed a missing person report prior to the shooting, and investigations into the case are ongoing.