Who is Michael Jeffrey Rodrigues? US Man Arrested with Loaded AR-15 Outside Trump-Frequented Florida Airport

U.S. authorities arrested Michael Jeffrey Rodrigues, a 41-year-old man, outside Palm Beach International Airport, Florida. The arrest took place after airport operations staff spotted suspicious behavior in a restricted parking area.

Who is Michael Jeffrey Rodrigues?

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Rodrigues was found near a dark-colored rental car while changing clothes. When officers approached and asked for the rental agreement, they discovered a fully loaded AR-15 magazine inside the glove compartment.

A full search of the vehicle revealed even more alarming items:

• A loaded AR-15 rifle

• Multiple knives

• Two loaded magazines

• Ammunition hidden under a blanket

Authorities quickly took Rodrigues into custody. A video shared by PBSO shows him wearing a Miami Heat jersey and white pants, being escorted into a police car. The department also released photos of the weapons found in his vehicle on their official X (formerly Twitter) page.

The incident is being taken seriously as the airport is known to be frequented by former President Donald Trump, although officials confirmed Trump was not in Florida at the time of the arrest.

Law enforcement agencies are treating the case as potentially dangerous, with many saying a mass shooting may have been prevented. Investigators are now examining the suspect’s background, motives, and possible intent. As of now, formal charges against Michael Rodrigues are pending.

This arrest comes amid heightened security concerns, especially following a previous assassination attempt on Trump during his 2024 campaign. The accused in that case, Ryan Routh, is set to represent himself at trial beginning September 8, 2025 in Fort Pierce, Florida.