Mar-a-Lago had a major security breach Friday morning, just hours ahead of when President Trump is scheduled to arrive.
Two people were arrested for breaching two security checkpoints at the club, leading authorities on a chase that involved Florida Highway Patrol troopers and a sheriff’s helicopter, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Teri Barbera.
The incident began several miles away from Mar-a-Lago when authorities were called about a woman dancing on a parked car in a hotel parking lot. When the police arrived at the scene, the women got in another car and sped off, prompting the chase toward the club.
Law enforcement officers opened fire on the black SUV after the vehicle breached the security checkpoints at Mar-a-Lago.
DEVELOPING: Authorities say officers fire shots at vehicle breaching security at Pres Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, #FL, leading to high-speed chase just hours before scheduled arrival, @AP rpts; latest breach of security there: https://t.co/LJvlKUWOuL
— Mark Albert (@malbertnews) January 31, 2020
PBSO and FBI on scene where two people inside black SUV reportedly rammed checkpoint near Mar A Lago. @wpbf_angela @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/Ab4K4tZL9P
— angelarozier (@wpbf_angela) January 31, 2020
Based on a preliminary investigation, investigators believe the vehicle approached the checkpoint at a high rate of speed and did not appear to brake in any way, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the investigation. The checkpoint, a series of concrete barriers and armed officers, is blocks away from the actual resort.
The Secret Service said it would have a news conference later Friday.
Mar-a-Lago has been the scene of several intrusions since Trump became president. On Jan. 5, just hours after Trump and his family had left the club following a two-week vacation, a Florida man who had been dishonorably discharged from the Marines for sex offenses was arrested after he got past two checkpoints by falsely identifying himself as part of the president’s helicopter crew. (AP)
Trump is expected to arrive later Friday ahead of a busy weekend at the club. On Saturday, the Trumpettes will have its annual Red, White & Blu gala with headliner Roseanne Barr, while the president will host a Super Bowl party the next day.
