Felon With Loaded AR-15 Busted at Major Airport

Handcuffed hands raised police cars with lights on

A convicted felon was arrested with a loaded AR-15 rifle and knives in a restricted area at Palm Beach International Airport, raising urgent questions about security lapses at a major hub often used by high-profile figures, including President Trump.

Story Snapshot

  • Armed felon Michael Rodrigues was arrested with a loaded AR-15 and multiple knives in a restricted airport area.
  • Swift action by airport staff and sheriff’s deputies may have prevented a potential act of violence.
  • The incident highlights security vulnerabilities at a strategic airport frequented by former President Trump.
  • Law enforcement and federal authorities are investigating, with charges pending and a search warrant sought.

Convicted Felon Arrested with Loaded Rifle at Sensitive Airport

On August 5, 2025, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Michael Rodrigues, a 41-year-old convicted felon, after airport operations personnel reported suspicious activity near a dark-colored rental vehicle parked in a restricted area of Palm Beach International Airport. Deputies discovered Rodrigues getting dressed outside the vehicle, located a loaded AR-15 magazine in the glove compartment, and upon further search, found a loaded AR-15 rifle and several knives concealed under a blanket on the seat. Rodrigues was taken into custody without incident, and detectives are currently conducting interviews as charges remain pending.

Security Concerns at a High-Profile Transportation Hub

Palm Beach International Airport serves as a vital transportation center in South Florida and is frequently used by high-profile individuals, including President Trump, though he was not present at the time of the incident. The suspect’s presence in a restricted area, armed with a rifle and knives, underscores ongoing concerns about airport security and the enforcement of laws intended to keep weapons out of sensitive locations. The rapid response by airport staff and law enforcement is being credited with potentially averting a much worse scenario, according to authorities. The motive remains unclear as Rodrigues has not made any threats and has refused to answer investigators’ questions.

Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have stated that Rodrigues, as a convicted felon, was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with federal involvement possible due to the nature of the incident and the location. Detectives are seeking a search warrant to further examine the vehicle and evidence. As of August 6, Rodrigues remains in custody while charges are finalized, and officials are reviewing his criminal background for potential links to broader security threats. The airport’s operations staff is being commended for their vigilance and quick reporting, which enabled deputies to intervene before the situation could escalate.

Security experts emphasize that this incident demonstrates both the strengths and weaknesses of current airport protocols. While the staff’s attentiveness prevented a possible tragedy, the fact that a felon was able to enter a restricted area with a loaded AR-15 and knives exposes potential gaps in monitoring and access control. The incident is likely to prompt a review of airport security procedures, particularly with respect to rental vehicles and surveillance of sensitive zones. Calls for tightening background checks and improving coordination between law enforcement agencies are likely to intensify, especially at airports serving high-profile or politically significant figures.

Broader Implications for Public Safety and Policy

In the immediate aftermath, security has been heightened at Palm Beach International Airport, and staff have been urged to maintain increased vigilance. There may be short-term disruptions to operations as the investigation continues. Longer-term, this event is expected to fuel political debate over gun control, the monitoring of convicted felons, and the adequacy of airport security nationwide. Economic impacts could include additional resources devoted to security upgrades, while socially, the incident may increase public anxiety about safety in public transportation hubs. Ultimately, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust, constitutionally sound security measures that protect the public without undermining the rights of law-abiding Americans.

Sources:

CBS News Miami: Man detained after loaded AR-15 and knives found in vehicle at Palm Beach airport, PBSO says

Fox News: Man arrested with fully loaded AR-15, knives at Palm Beach airport frequented by Trump

CBS12: Man found with AR-15 rifle, multiple knives stashed away in rental car at Palm Beach International Airport

WPTV: Man with rifle, knives in car at Palm Beach International Airport taken into custody