Texas man caught after entering Mar-a-Lago resort to find Trump, propose to granddaughter
A 23-year-old Texas man was detained after allegedly scaling a wall to gain unauthorized access to President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. According to NBC News, Anthony Reyes was apprehended by Secret Service agents shortly after midnight on Tuesday.
Reyes reportedly told police that his intention was to "spread the gospel" to President Trump and to "marry Kai," an apparent reference to the president's 18-year-old granddaughter, who is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr.
Midnight Trespassing Incident
Secret Service personnel detained Reyes after he "scaled a perimeter fence and triggered alarms," according to the official statement from the agency spokesperson. The arrest report obtained by NBC News confirmed that Reyes had not been permitted to enter the protected property.
Palm Beach police responded to the scene shortly after midnight, where they were met by Secret Service agents who had already detained the intruder. The arrest report detailed that Reyes admitted to authorities that he had climbed over a wall surrounding the property to gain access.
The incident marks Reyes' second arrest for trespassing at the property, with his previous arrest occurring on New Year's Eve, according to police records. This pattern of behavior suggests a concerning fixation on the Trump family and property.
Legal Consequences and Restrictions
Following his arrest, Reyes was booked at the Palm Beach County Jail with a bond set at $50,000. The court imposed several strict conditions on his potential release, including a complete prohibition of contact with President Trump or any members of his family, specifically including Kai Trump.
Court records show that Reyes entered a plea of not guilty to the trespassing charges. The substantial bond amount and specific restrictions highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating this security breach at the president's Florida residence.
The White House confirmed that President Trump had been briefed about the incident but referred further inquiries to the Secret Service. No members of the Trump family were present at Mar-a-Lago when the breach occurred.
History of Mar-a-Lago Security Concerns
Mar-a-Lago became a federally protected area under Secret Service jurisdiction in July, following an attempted assassination of President Trump at a campaign rally earlier that month. The designation increased security protocols at the property, which has become a frequent target for security threats.
This incident joins a growing list of security concerns at Trump's Florida properties. Last fall, a Florida man faced charges for allegedly attempting to assassinate Trump at his golf course in West Palm Beach. Ryan Routh currently faces both federal and state charges related to that alleged plot.
In another concerning case, Warren Jones Crazybull of Idaho was charged with making threatening phone calls to Mar-a-Lago, explicitly stating intentions to kill the president. These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by the Secret Service in protecting the president and his properties.
Why This Story Matters
Crimes involving high-profile figures shine a light on vulnerabilities that exist even at properties known for strict security. This incident raises critical questions about how threats are recognized, prevented, and responded to in politically charged environments.
Public safety is a communal effort, and events like this stress the need for continued vigilance. Protecting people—whether famous or not—requires coordination, communication, and preparedness. Finally, this story underscores that emotional or delusional motives can pose real security risks, creating unpredictable scenarios that must be taken seriously by law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Anthony Reyes, a 23-year-old Texas resident, was arrested early Tuesday after illegally entering the secured Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities say he scaled a wall intending to spread religious messages to former President Donald Trump and marry Trump’s granddaughter, Kai.
Reyes has been charged with trespassing, and this is not his first offense involving the estate. No members of the Trump family were present during the intrusion, and the Secret Service responded quickly. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond and has been ordered to avoid all contact with the Trump family. Previous incidents involving threats and trespassing at Trump properties have fueled greater scrutiny and tighter security at those sites.