Authorities in Florida arrested Michael Rodrigues, 41, early Tuesday morning after discovering a loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives inside a rental vehicle parked in a restricted area at Palm Beach County Airport.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded around 7:10 a.m. after airport staff reported a suspicious individual near a dark-colored vehicle in a secure zone. When deputies arrived, Rodrigues was outside the vehicle, reportedly getting dressed.
The deputies searched the vehicle, finding a fully loaded AR-15 magazine inside the glove compartment. A more thorough search uncovered the loaded AR-15 rifle and several knives concealed beneath a blanket on the seat.
Rodrigues was taken into custody without incident and is currently being interviewed by detectives. Although no formal charges have been filed yet, the investigation remains active. Authorities are seeking a search warrant to further examine the vehicle and any related evidence.
Officials confirmed that no threats were made, and the motive behind the incident is still unclear. The airport is known to be used by former President Trump, but he is not currently in Florida.
