Mar-a-Lago shooting investigation continues

Armed man shot, killed at Mar-a-Lago

PALM BEACH, Fla. — The investigation continued on Monday into a security breach at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump’s Palm Beach resort is at the center of a crime scene investigation after an intruder, 21-year-old Austin Martin from North Carolina, was shot and killed on the property.

“We’ll continue to work the scene for as long as it takes,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles said. “Currently, our Evidence Response Team is processing the scene, collecting evidence.”

Officials said he was spotted driving into the north gate of Mar-a-Lago at around 1:30 a.m. just as someone else drove out.

When he was approached by the Secret Service and a sheriff’s deputy, they noticed he was armed with a shotgun and a gas can in his hand.

“The only words that we said to him was drop the items,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. “He put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.”

Martin’s motive is now a focal point in the case. Officials say his family recently reported him missing, but instead, he was traveling to Palm Beach. Detectives believe he bought a shotgun along the way.

“We want to be clear the president of the United States was not in the state of Florida,” said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros said.

David Austin, who often spends his nights fishing on the Southern Boulevard Bridge near the gateway to Palm Beach, said what he heard Sunday morning is a distinct sound he’ll never forget.

“I heard 20-30 pops and I thought it was fireworks,” Austin said. “Next thing I know, five or so minutes later, here comes the brigade of police cars, probably 30 or 40 of them.”

Christy Turnquist, who lives nearby and walks the trail on the Southern Boulevard Bridge each day, said that after this situation, she’s asking questions.

“That’s scary. Terrifying to know property can be invaded like that,” Turnquist said. “I wonder how that happened cause they’re so secure with me and everyone else walking by.”

The FBI is asking residents to check their home surveillance cameras for any footage that may aid in the investigation.

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Linnie Supall

Linnie Supall

Linnie Supall is an Emmy nominated and award-winning journalist.