A woman from Orlando, Florida, was arrested after showing up at Mar-a-Lago with a gun and saying she had a critical message for former President Donald Trump.

Caroline Shaw, 49, was taken into custody on July 7 after approaching the Mar-a-Lago Club on foot and telling Secret Service agents that she needed to speak to Trump, while also carrying a weapon in her van, as Breitbart reports.

Shaw parked her gray Mercedes van along Southern Boulevard in Palm Beach before walking toward Mar-a-Lago’s south gate in the evening hours. According to police, she told officers she had come to deliver an “urgent message” to the former president.

Trump not present

The Secret Service halted Shaw at the gate, where she informed them of the purpose of her visit. Trump was not at Mar-a-Lago at the time of the incident and was instead in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed.

During her interaction with agents, Shaw voluntarily disclosed that there were firearms in her vehicle.

Officers responding to her statements located and secured a handgun from her van, according to the arrest report.

Authorities said she did not attempt to breach any secure areas nor issue any threats. As a result, Shaw was not charged with trespassing or making any threatening statements toward Trump or others.

Police uncover driving-related violations

In the course of their investigation, officers discovered Shaw’s vehicle registration had expired in December 2021. They also learned that her driver’s license had been suspended in April 2023 due to unpaid traffic tickets.

Because of these issues, Shaw was charged with driving with a suspended license and failure to register a vehicle.

Both are traffic-related misdemeanors under Florida law and not connected to the firearm found in her possession.

There were no federal or weapons charges filed against Shaw stemming from the firearm or her visit to the private club. The case remains classified as a local matter involving driving offenses.

Court sets bond, imposes restrictions.

Shaw was booked into Palm Beach County Jail shortly after her arrest and remained there as of July 8. Her bond was set at $2,000, and she entered a not guilty plea at her initial court appearance.

Judge Donald Hafele ruled that Shaw must have no contact with President Trump or any of his properties. The court order extends to all Trump-owned or affiliated locations while the case proceeds.

Additionally, Palm Beach Police submitted a petition asking the court to suspend Shaw’s access to firearms for one year. That civil petition is currently pending and has not yet been ruled on by the court.

Motive for visit remains unclear

Law enforcement officials have not released any written notes, messages, or other materials that explain the nature of Shaw’s “urgent message.” Her reasons for wanting to speak with Trump remain undisclosed.

Authorities confirmed that Shaw acted alone and showed no indication of being part of any organized group or broader threat.

She made no effort to force her way into the premises or bypass security barriers.

For now, Shaw faces only two misdemeanor charges and mandatory court appearances. Officials have said they will continue monitoring the case but have offered no public timeline for its resolution.