Mar-a-Lago shooter killed, fueled by Epstein files despite supporting Trump

Austin Tucker Martin , the 21-year-old shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago , was described by family and acquaintances as a religious, charitable young man who had become increasingly angry and frustrated over the Jeffrey Epstein files .

Authorities said Martin, from Cameron, North Carolina , drove south toward Florida carrying a shotgun and a fuel can . He was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy at the resort’s north gate. He reportedly lowered the fuel can but then raised the shotgun toward officers , prompting them to open fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

Family and friends said Martin regularly donated part of his earnings to charity and openly expressed his Christian faith . He was also a skilled artist , selling sketches and paintings inspired by local landscapes. In the weeks before the incident, sources said he became obsessed with the Epstein files , expressing concern about government secrecy and urging others to take notice.

The FBI is leading a joint investigation with the Secret Service and local authorities to reconstruct Martin’s movements and determine the full context of his actions. Residents near Mar-a-Lago have been asked to review security camera footage for relevant evidence.

President Donald Trump , who was in Washington at the time with First Lady Melania Trump, praised the swift response of security personnel , confirming that no officers or civilians were harmed and reaffirming full confidence in the protective agencies.