Third assasination attempt failed against President Trump, leaving one dead

By Javohir Aminov, Asst. News Editor

In the early morning of Feb. 22, 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin broke into President Trump’s private luxury club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach. Fla. Then around 1:30 a.m., Martin was shot dead by the Secret Service when he aimed his shotgun at them. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, who was on duty that morning along with two other agents, stated that Martin was carrying a firearm and a fuel canister upon the residence, but when they ordered him to disarm himself, he aimed the weapon “in a shooting position” and was fatally shot by authorities before he could fire at the agents, or hurt anybody else.

According to a Secret Service spokesperson, there will be more security measures implemented for Mar-a-Lago, which would include covering roads, waterways and flights. They also state that not only will the President be protected, but the overall community as well. Throughout the years, the Secret Service has ramped up security for Mar-a-Lago, due to the July and Sep. 2024 assassination attempts against President Trump. His security team even started to use robotic dogs that patrol the area and record any suspicious activity.

Martin’s family described him as a kind soul, who would do no harm to anybody, and that it was impossible for him to conduct this assassination, since he didn't know how to use a gun. His classmates even noted that he was a smart person who was generous to his friends. However, his teacher, Ms. Bonillio, said that he was often depressed and was an anxious person, so she tried her best to lift his spirits.

As stated by “The Times,” Martin was a well-rounded individual who owned a business called “Fresh Sky Illustrations” in North Carolina. He contacted his colleague and complained about the Epstein files, how he was tired of people getting away with their crimes and that “evil is real and unmistakable.” Martin is also from a pro-Trump family, but never declared himself as a member of the Republican Party. He was a registered voter, but had no affiliation with any party, according to his records. In addition to Martin’s motive, it's believed that his fixation with the Epstein files has prompted him to drive 10 hours from North Carolina to Florida to seek justice against President Trump, involving the alleged claims that he was involved in sexual abuse against minors.