According to US officials, the suspect was spotted near the north gate of the Mar a Lago property in Florida. He was described as a white male carrying a shotgun and a fuel can.

The Secret Service responded immediately and shot the man before he could move deeper into the residence. Authorities later confirmed that former President Donald Trump was not in Florida at the time of the incident.

US media reports identified the suspect as 21 year old Austin T Martin. According to reports, his family in North Carolina had filed a missing person report just a day earlier.

Investigators are now examining whether Martin purchased the weapon while driving from North Carolina to Florida. The incident took place around 01:30 ET, prompting a swift security response.

Officials say security at Mar a Lago remains tight even when Trump is away. This high level of protection may explain why the suspect was quickly stopped before causing further harm.

Read more: Netanyahu blood cancer rumours go viral - what is the truth?

The motive behind the incident is still under investigation. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and tracing the suspect’s movements in the hours before the shooting.

The incident highlights the strong security around high profile leaders. Quick action likely prevented a bigger tragedy. However, questions remain about the suspect’s intentions. Investigators will need to determine what drove him to breach such a heavily guarded property.