5 Dead in Shooting at Fort Lauderdale Airport
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (ABC News) -Five people were killed and eight others were injured in a shooting at a baggage claim area at the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida today, before a suspected gunman was taken into custody, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said.
Confirmed: Shooting at Fort Lauderdale -Hollywood International Airport with multiple people dead. One subject in custody.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) January 6, 2017
There is an ongoing incident in Terminal 2, Baggage Claim. Media availability is at the staging area.
— Ft. Laude-Hlwd Int’l (@FLLFlyer) January 6, 2017
The suspected shooter was apprehended in possession of a military ID with the name Esteban Santiago, law enforcement sources said. It has not been confirmed if the gunman is Santiago or if the suspect was simply carrying Santiago’s ID. Authorities have not released the gunman’s name. An Esteban Santiago was discharged honorably from the Army National Guard last year, according to the Army criminal investigation division.
The alleged shooter flew from Anchorage, Alaska, to Minneapolis before landing in Fort Lauderdale, senior officials said.
Israel said at a press conference this afternoon that at this point it looks likely the suspected gunman acted alone.
The sheriff also said the investigation is ongoing, and the scene is considered “fluid” and “active”; he added that reports of a second incident at the airport were later dismissed.
Authorities received a call around 12:55 p.m. about shots fired, the Broward County Sheriff said on Twitter.
The carnage occurred in the baggage claim area at Terminal 2, which was evacuated.
Witness Mark Lea told ABC News he heard “what sounded like firecrackers” before people began yelling and “frantically running.”
Lea said he saw then saw a gunman who was “randomly shooting people.”
The gunman “went through a couple dozen rounds” before throwing the gun down away from him and “lying face-down and spread-eagle,” waiting for officers to approach him, according to Lea.
Lea said he helped some people run to safety and consoled several people on the scene.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said the incident occurred in a public area, not a secure area.
Passengers were seen huddled on the tarmac with their luggage.
President Obama was briefed on the shooting, said National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price.
Donald Trump tweeted about the incident, saying, “Thoughts and prayers for all.”
Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Just spoke to Governor Scott. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2017
The airport said all services are temporarily suspended.
All services are temporarily suspended at #FLL. Please contact your air carrier about your flight information. https://t.co/Uwbaa6n6aB
— Ft. Laude-Hlwd Int’l (@FLLFlyer) January 6, 2017
Flights more than 50 miles away from the airport are being diverted.
This story is developing. Please check back for more updates.
