Authorities with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office believe they may have just prevented a mass shooting at the Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA), which is the same airport where President Donald Trump frequently flies in and out of.
In a chilling Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff’s department announced:
Suspicious Suspect ARRESTED * Deputies Thwart Possible Active Shooting Incident at PBIA *
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 7:10 a.m., Airport Operations personnel notified PBSO deputies of a suspicious male observed outside a dark-colored vehicle parked within a restricted vehicular parking area at the airport.
Upon arrival, deputies observed the individual standing outside the vehicle getting dressed. During the encounter, deputies learned the vehicle was a rental. When deputies opened the glove compartment to retrieve the rental agreement, they discovered a fully loaded AR-15 magazine inside.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a fully loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives concealed under a blanket on the seat. (see below)
The suspect, identified as Michael Rodrigues (DOB: 12/21/1983), was taken into custody without incident. He is currently being interviewed by detectives. Charges are forthcoming. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The post included a photo of the stash of weapons the deputies discovered. In the photo, the rifle is seen, and several knives, including one knife nearly as large as a sword.
CBS12 reporter Luli Ortiz posted a mugshot of Rodrigues and wrote, “41-year-old Michael Rodrigues, a convicted felon, was caught in a restricted airport zone at PBIA Tuesday morning with a loaded AR-15 and cocaine. Deputies also discovered multiple knives stashed under a blanket inside his rental car. He’s behind bars tonight.”
41-year-old Michael Rodrigues, a convicted felon, was caught in a restricted airport zone at PBIA Tuesday morning with a loaded AR-15 and cocaine. Deputies also discovered multiple knives stashed under a blanket inside his rental car. He’s behind bars tonight. @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/MS8c9vjXNV
— Luli Ortiz (@LuliOrtizCBS12) August 6, 2025
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