A GUNMAN who was shot dead after sneaking into Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate had a chilling obsession with the Epstein files, texts have revealed.
Austin Tucker Martin, 21, was gunned down by law enforcement after he allegedly stormed onto the property with a shotgun and a fuel can in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Gunman Austin Tucker, 21, stormed onto Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estateCredit: Facebook
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw showed a picture of the shotgun the man allegedly raisedCredit: Palm Beach County Sheriff
Secret Service sign is placed near the entrance to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago clubCredit: EPA
Authorities say he was spotted near the north gate and confronted by officers who ordered him to drop what he was holding.
He lowered the gas can – but raised the shotgun into what officials described as a “shooting position”.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said a deputy and two federal agents then “neutralised the threat.”
Messages obtained by TMZ shows that just a week earlier, Martin sent bizarre texts to a co-worker saying: “I don’t know if you read up on the Epstein Files, but evil is real and unmistakable.”
He added: “The best people like you and I can do is use what little influence we have.
“Tell other people about what you hear about the Epstein files and what the government is doing about it. Raise awareness.”
The co-worker never replied, but they exchanged a text writing: “Hey! Where are you?,” before the news of the shooting broke.
Sources who worked with him at North Carolina golf club told TMZ he had become fixated on Epstein-related material and believed elites were being protected by a government cover-up.
Members at the club told how the gunman had often raged about powerful people “getting away with it”.
They also said he complained frequently about the economy and how young people need multiple roommates and jobs to survive.
Martin had been reported missing Saturday after disappearing from his hometown.
His mum created a poster describing the silver Volkswagen he was believed to be driving as relatives frantically searched for him.
Public records listed him at a rural property where vehicles were later seen blocking the entrance after the shooting.
Investigators believe he travelled from North Carolina to Florida and picked up the shotgun along the way.
The weapons box was later recovered from his car.
Officials say he managed to enter the secured estate grounds by driving through the gate behind another vehicle.
His cousin, 19-year-old Braeden Fields, said the incident left the family stunned.
He said: “He’s a good kid. I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing.
“He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun.”
Martin pictured with his family members Josh, Jacob and Melissa (left to right). Blue shirt Facebook – Melissa MartinCredit: Facebook
A Palm Beach County Sheriff Office vehicle on patrol is seen at a road block near the Mar-a-Lago clubCredit: EPA
Fields described him as quiet and said their family were “big Trump supporters.”
They said: “He’s real quiet, never really talked about anything.”
Coworkers similarly described him as well-meaning but increasingly frustrated.
He had reportedly tried – unsuccessfully – to organise a union at work for higher wages.
Outside his job he sketched local scenery and people to sell.
Federal agents confirmed no protectees were present at the estate at the time.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington attending an event Saturday night.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “In the middle of the night while most Americans were asleep, the United States Secret Service acted quickly and decisively to neutralize a crazy person, armed with a gun and a gas canister, who intruded President Trump’s home.
“Federal law enforcement are working 24/7 to keep our country safe and protect all Americans.
“It’s shameful and reckless that Democrats have chosen to shut down their Department.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had spoken with the president and was coordinating with federal partners, adding she was grateful Trump and officers were safe.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau would dedicate “all necessary resources” to the investigation.
Agents are now asking residents near the property to review security footage for anything suspicious.
Former federal agent Barry Donadio said the pump shotgun Martin allegedly carried was powerful: “So that’s quite capable of doing a lot of damage.”
He noted such weapons can hold four to six rounds and are commonly used by police – and sometimes the military – warning anyone trespassing with one risks being shot if they refuse orders.
Authorities say Martin was not previously known to law enforcement and that the exact motive remains under investigation as officials build a psychological profile.
The number of shots fired has not yet been confirmed.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Washington attending an event Saturday night
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort pictured (stock)
