WASHINGTON, February 22 — FBI Director Kash Patel on Sunday said the Federal Bureau of Investigation is deploying “all necessary resources” to investigate the fatal shooting of an armed individual who allegedly breached the security perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, the Florida residence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement posted on X, Patel said the FBI is actively investigating the early morning incident in coordination with multiple agencies.
“The FBI is dedicating all necessary resources to the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago — where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter,” Patel said.
He added that the bureau will continue to work closely with the United States Secret Service, as well as state and federal partners, as the investigation progresses, and will provide updates when available.
Earlier Sunday, a man in his early 20s was shot and killed by agents of the United States Secret Service and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office after allegedly entering the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, authorities said.
According to the Secret Service, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m., when the individual was observed near the north gate of the property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
In an official statement, the Secret Service said the individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Agents and a deputy confronted the man, and shots were fired during the encounter. No Secret Service personnel or sheriff’s deputies were injured. Authorities also confirmed that there were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident.
The shooting, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, remains under investigation by the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
In accordance with agency policy, the Secret Service agents involved have been placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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