A deranged intruder tried to storm the gates of Mar-a-Lago with a shotgun in one hand and a gas can in the other, screaming intentions that reeked of an assassination plot against President Trump—thankfully, he was away. Secret Service and local Palm Beach PD didn’t hesitate: as he shouldered the scattergun into a firing stance, they dropped him with precise, overwhelming force. No breach, no blaze, no body count beyond the perp. This is the raw reality of elite perimeter defense, where armed guardians enforce zero-tolerance zones around high-value targets. Gun enthusiasts are buzzing over grainy footage and reports—let’s dissect what we know about that shotgun and why it matters.
From the emerging details, the weapon appears to be a classic pump-action 12-gauge, possibly a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590 variant, based on the silhouette in bystander clips: full-length barrel (likely 18-20 inches for maneuverability), synthetic stock, and that unmistakable tubular magazine silhouette under the forend. No optics or tactical bells, just a utilitarian workhorse—America’s everyman’s defensive shotgun, chambered for 2¾ or 3-inch shells loaded with buckshot or slugs for close-quarters devastation. Why this gun? It’s ubiquitous, reliable, and devastating at 25 yards—perfect for a half-baked gas can assassin fantasy of breaching and torching. Pump-actions like these dominate because they’re idiot-proof: no gas system to foul, cycles anything from birdshot to 00 buck, and the manual rack adds intimidation factor (that iconic *ch-chk* sound).
For the 2A community, this is a stark reminder of layered deterrence in action—armed professionals with long guns and sidearms turning a potential massacre into a footnote. It underscores why shotguns remain king for home and estate defense: legal in all 50 states with minimal hassle, high capacity without mag bans, and non-lethal options if needed. Critics will wail about gun violence, but peel back the layers: this thug chose his tools for maximum chaos, yet trained protectors with theirs ended it instantly. Mar-a-Lago’s security blueprint—roving patrols, elevated posts, and shoot-no-warn protocols—proves that good guys with guns don’t just deter; they neutralize. 2A wins again: the right to keep and bear arms isn’t theoretical; it’s the moat around freedom. Stay vigilant, stock those 870s, and keep the powder dry.
