Six Suspects Killed in Shootout in Venezuela, Man Shot at Mar-a-Lago
A complex weekend of violence unfolded across the Americas, with a deadly shootout in Venezuela leaving at least six individuals dead and a separate incident at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate resulting in the fatal shooting of an armed man.
In Venezuela, authorities neutralized six suspects during an operation in the Fundacoropo sector, according to reporting from El Periodiquito. The operation, involving over 100 law enforcement officials, began early in the morning in an area known as “Las Letras.” The identities of those killed have not yet been released.
Meanwhile, in Palm Beach, Florida, a 21-year-old man from North Carolina was shot and killed by law enforcement agents on Sunday, February 22nd, after allegedly breaching a secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago. The man, identified as Austin Tucker Martin, was reportedly carrying a shotgun and a fuel can.
According to a report from USA Today, security personnel detected Martin near the north gate of the resort around 1:30 a.m. Local time. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that Martin advanced to the property’s inner perimeter, prompting a response from a sheriff’s deputy and two U.S. Secret Service agents.
“They confronted a White male that was carrying a gas can and a shotgun,” Bradshaw said. “He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position. At that point in time, the deputy and the two Secret Service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.”
Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No agents were injured during the incident. The Secret Service confirmed that no individuals under their protection were present at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the shooting. The FBI is leading the investigation.
Authorities reported that Martin had been reported missing in the days leading up to the incident. The motive behind the attempted breach remains under investigation.
These incidents come amid ongoing concerns about security and violence in both Venezuela and the United States. The situation in Venezuela continues to be marked by political instability and criminal activity, while the Mar-a-Lago shooting raises questions about security protocols at the former president’s estate.
In a separate incident reported on October 17, 2025, seven men were fatally shot in Phillipi East, Cape Town, South Africa, according to Briefly.co.za. Police are investigating the shooting, and detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have been assigned to the case. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile urged community members to assist police with any information that could help advance the investigation.
The shooting in Cape Town is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the city, prompting calls for increased security measures, including suggestions to deploy soldiers.
