PALM BEACH, Fla. — February 22, 2026 — A 21-year-old man from Moore County, North Carolina, was shot and killed early Sunday morning after an encounter with U.S. Secret Service agents outside the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, according to federal authorities.
Officials said the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the man drove into a restricted security perimeter near the north gate of the property. Mar-a-Lago is protected by the U.S. Secret Service due to its association with the President of the United States. Authorities confirmed no protectees were present at the time.
According to federal briefings, agents confronted the individual after he entered the secured area carrying what officials described as a gas canister and a shotgun. Law enforcement stated that verbal commands were issued directing him to drop the items.
Authorities said the man placed the gas canister on the ground but then raised the shotgun toward officers. At that point, Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County deputy discharged their weapons. He was struck and later pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.
The FBI identified the individual as Austin Martin Tucker of Moore County, North Carolina. Prior to the Florida incident, Tucker had been reported missing. Carthage Police circulated a missing person alert after he was last heard from on February 21 at approximately 7:51 p.m. He was believed to be driving a 2013 silver Volkswagen Tiguan and residing in the Carthage area.
Moore County is located northwest of Cumberland County, separated by Hoke County, and is approximately a 40-minute drive from Fayetteville.
Family members have publicly stated that the events were not consistent with his character and that he did not hold any grievance against the president. Authorities have not confirmed a motive.
The FBI is leading the investigation and reviewing surveillance footage, physical evidence, and travel details to determine the circumstances surrounding the security breach. Officials said the review is standard protocol in incidents involving federal protective services.
The U.S. Secret Service stated that agents responded in accordance with established procedures governing restricted federal security zones and emphasized there is no ongoing public threat.
The investigation remains active.
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