22 February 2026

Summary of the Incident at Mar-a-Lago: Armed Man Shot Dead

In a recent video by ABC News Australia, the details surrounding a shocking incident at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate are brought to light. The video, reported by Emily Gmens, outlines the events that unfolded in the early hours of the morning, specifically around 1:30 a.m. local time.

What Happened?

The incident began when a car was exiting the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago Private Club and Estate, which is Donald Trump's private property in Florida. At that moment, another vehicle, driven by an armed man, entered through the same gate. This prompted a confrontation with two federal Secret Service agents and a local sheriff's deputy.

According to police reports, the man was armed with a shotgun and a gas can. He was ordered to drop his weapons but instead raised the shotgun to a shooting position. In response, the deputy and the Secret Service agents fired their weapons, resulting in the man being shot dead at the scene.

Official Responses

While Donald Trump was not present during the incident, his press secretary, Caroline Levit, addressed the situation, stating that the Secret Service acted quickly to neutralize a "crazy person" who intruded on the president's home. She also highlighted the ongoing political battle over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service.

Scott Bessent, Trump's Treasury Secretary, appeared on television to criticize the current political climate, referring to the rhetoric from the left as "venom." He noted that this incident is part of a broader trend of political violence in the United States, which has seen an increase in violent acts targeting political figures.

Context of Political Violence

The video also touches on the heightened state of political violence in the U.S., mentioning previous assassination attempts against Donald Trump, including a recent incident where a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally. The video emphasizes that while the motivations of the armed man remain unclear, the incident is particularly troubling given the current divisive political climate in the country.

Key Takeaways

• An armed man was shot dead after breaching security at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.
• The confrontation involved two Secret Service agents and a local sheriff's deputy.
• The man was armed with a shotgun and a gas can, and he raised the shotgun after being ordered to drop his weapons.
• Official responses highlight concerns over political violence and the ongoing funding debates for the Department of Homeland Security.
• The incident reflects a troubling trend of violence targeting political figures in the United States.

This summary encapsulates the key points from the video, allowing you to stay informed without having to watch the entire report.