Was Austin Tucker Martin reported missing before the Mar-a-Lago shooting? Here’s what we know so far

Austin Tucker Martin, the 21-year-old man identified as the armed suspect shot outside Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, had reportedly been listed as missing days before the incident.

According to reports, Martin’s family had contacted authorities after losing contact with him, describing his disappearance as unusual and out of character.

Missing Before the Shooting

As per several reports, family members said Martin left home around 1:00 pm and had not been in contact since approximately 7:51 pm that evening. Concerned relatives reported him missing to local law enforcement in North Carolina. Authorities were alerted in the Vass and Southern Pines area, and federal agencies were also informed.

A missing person flyer that circulated online stated that Martin was last heard from on February 21 at 7:51 pm. The notice described him as approximately six feet tall and said he drove a 2013 silver Volkswagen Tiguan. He was reported to be from the Carthage, North Carolina area.

Social Media Posts About His Disappearance

Conservative commentator Laura Loomer shared screenshots of social media posts that she said were from Martin’s relatives. In one post, a woman identified as Chrissie Fields, believed to be his aunt, appealed to the public for help in locating him. The post noted that his behaviour was not typical and that police had already been contacted.

The posts indicated that family members were actively searching for him in the days before the Mar-a-Lago incident.

NEW:

It appears a man named Austin Tucker Martin was also reported missing by his family in North Carolina yesterday according to posts I found on Facebook. His aunt said on Facebook his family contacted the FBI to report him missing….

Is this the same Austin Tucker Martin who… pic.twitter.com/fJ6TunGW9C

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 22, 2026

What Happened at Mar-a-Lago?

Authorities later identified Martin as the individual who approached the north gate of the Palm Beach estate belonging to Donald Trump at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. Officials said he was carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can.

According to the US Secret Service, agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confronted him and shots were fired during the encounter. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. No law enforcement personnel were injured.