Security at Mar-a-Lago faced another unusual incident when a woman from Orlando showed up late at night, demanding to speak with former President Donald Trump — and telling Secret Service agents she had guns in her van.
Caroline Shaw, 49, was arrested on July 7 around 10 p.m. after pulling up near the exclusive Palm Beach club in a Mercedes van.
According to court papers obtained by Fox News, Shaw told agents she had an “urgent message” for Trump and claimed firearms were inside her vehicle.
Authorities Detain Woman and Seize Van for Investigation
The alarming claim led to Shaw’s immediate detention, and her van was taken for further examination.
However, it’s still unclear whether any weapons were found inside.
Authorities did discover the vehicle had been unregistered since 2021, and Shaw herself has had a suspended driver’s license since 2023.
She was charged with driving on a suspended license and failure to register a motor vehicle.
Shaw pleaded not guilty to both charges in court the next day.
Judge Issues Restrictions on Shaw’s Access to Trump Properties
As part of her bail conditions, a judge has barred Shaw from approaching Trump or attempting to enter any of his properties, including Mar-a-Lago.
She remains in custody on a $2,000 bond, according to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
At this time, the contents of her so-called “urgent message” to Trump have not been made public.
This Incident Adds to a String of Security Breaches at Mar-a-Lago
Shaw’s case is just the latest in a series of security scares involving Mar-a-Lago.
Last month, a man named Anthony Thomas Reyes, 23, was arrested after sneaking onto the property in an attempt to propose to Trump’s teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump.
Reyes told Secret Service officers that he climbed the high perimeter wall late at night to find Kai, who recently turned 18.
He faced charges of trespassing with intent and was released on a $5,000 bond.
Previous Trespassers Target Mar-a-Lago as Well
Security at Mar-a-Lago has been repeatedly tested in recent years.
In January, Bijan Arceo, a 32-year-old former real estate agent, jumped the fence just two days after Trump’s inauguration.
Arceo was charged similarly with trespassing with intent to commit an offense and was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
Mental Health Concerns Raised in Past Incidents
In late 2024, Chinese national Zijie Li made multiple attempts over five months to get inside Mar-a-Lago, claiming he wanted to speak with Trump.
Authorities placed him under the Baker Act, which allows involuntary mental health treatment when a person is deemed a risk.
Despite this, Li continued trying to breach security and was arrested again after attempting to enter as a rideshare passenger.
His bond was set at $100,000, and he was released after posting bail about two weeks later.
