The incident came to light on the afternoon of February 22, when the Secret Service released a statement. Shared on X by the agency’s chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi, the statement read: « On February 22, around 1.30am, a male in his early 20s was shot by US Secret Service agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) following an unauthorized entry into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago.
« The individual, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced deceased. The individual was observed by the north gate of the Mar-a-Lago property carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.
« US Secret Service agents and a PBSO deputy confronted the individual and shots were fired by law enforcement during the encounter. No US Secret Service or PBSO personnel were injured.
« There were no Secret Service protectees present at the location at the time of the incident. »
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The statement also read: « The incident, including the individual’s background, actions, potential motive, and the use of force, is under investigation by the FBI, the US Secret Service, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
« In accordance with agency policy, the involved Secret Service agents will be placed on routine administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. »
The Secret Service, FBI and PBSO shared more information about the incident as they held a press conference on Sunday afternoon, shortly before 2.30pm GMT.
During the press conference, Brett Skiles, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami field office, urged members of the public with information to submit any evidence they may have to the police.
At the time of the incident, Mr Trump was not in Florida, and was believed to be in Washington.
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