Authorities in Florida detained a man early Tuesday morning after they found a loaded AR-15 rifle and several knives inside a rental vehicle parked in a restricted area at a Palm Beach County Airport, according to law enforcement officials.
Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) were called around 7:10 a.m. after airport operations staff noticed a suspicious person standing outside a dark-colored vehicle in a secure parking area.
When the deputies arrived, they encountered the man, later identified as Michael Rodrigues, 41, of no known local address, outside the vehicle, reportedly getting dressed. The deputies determined that the vehicle was a rental and accessed the glove compartment to obtain the rental agreement, where they discovered a fully loaded AR-15 magazine.
A comprehensive search of the vehicle revealed a loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives concealed beneath a blanket on the seat. The man was apprehended without any incident and is currently being questioned by detectives.
Florida deputies thwart possible active shooting incident at Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) (Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)
The airport is known to be used by President Trump, though officials confirmed Trump is not currently in Florida.
A law enforcement source tells Fox News that no threats have been made and the motive behind the incident remains unclear at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Stepheny Price is a journalist for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering topics such as missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Tips and ideas for stories can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
