New Delhi: A man in his early 20s was shot dead early February 22 after allegedly entering a restricted area near former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the United States Secret Service said in a statement.
According to the agency, the incident occurred around 1:30 am, when the individual breached the secure perimeter of the property. The man’s identity has not been disclosed, pending notification of his next of kin. The Secret Service said the individual was spotted near the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can. Agents, along with a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, confronted him.
“Shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter,” the Secret Service said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that no Secret Service personnel or Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies were injured during the incident. The agency also clarified that no Secret Service protectees were present at the property at the time.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting, including the man’s background, possible motive and the appropriateness of the use of force, are now under investigation. The probe is being conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Secret Service and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
As per agency protocol, the Secret Service agents involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative leave while the investigation is underway. Further details are expected as authorities continue their inquiry into the incident.