The suspected gunman who authorities imagine shot useless 5 individuals and injured six after opening fireplace in Fort Lauderdale Worldwide airport had gone AWOL a number of instances whereas serving within the army and was investigated for baby pornography, authorities have mentioned.
Esteban Santiago, a 26-year-old Iraq warfare veteran, was taken into custody and was pictured in handcuffs Saturday as police led him to the Broward County Major Jail, the place he's held on suspicion of homicide. Police imagine he flew out of Anchorage, Alaska on a 9:52 pm Delta flight and checked his gun through the flight. Santiago loaded his gun within the airport toilet earlier than silently and indiscriminately capturing victims within the baggage declare space in Terminal 2 on Friday about 1 pm, officers mentioned.
The Military vet was getting psychological therapy, based on his brother, who mentioned he did not know exactly what the captured man was getting handled for. His household additionally mentioned Santiago had been performing unusually after getting back from Iraq.
FBI investigators haven't dominated out terrorism as a cause for the assault, a particular agent on the bureau's workplace in Miami mentioned Saturday. They have been set to pursue 'each angle' to attempt to decide the motive behind the lethal assault. The bureau believes Santiago got here to Fort Lauderdale to hold out the horrific assault however selected it with none particular cause. Investigators have not recognized any triggers up to now. Santiago is anticipated to seem in federal court docket Monday.
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Esteban Santiago, 26, the suspect within the lethal capturing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport, was transported to the Broward County Major Jail by authorities Saturday
Santiago (pictured in handcuffs being led to jail Saturday) is being held on suspicion of homicide. Authorities imagine he dedicated the capturing that left 5 useless and 6 wounded Friday
The suspect (pictured) was apprehended within the airport's Terminal 2 close to the luggage declare space and brought away by police
The captured man (pictured left in his reserving picture) was questioned at size after the capturing. Pictured proper, individuals depart a storage space with their fingers up within the air outdoors the airport after the capturing on Friday
FBI brokers have been seen on Saturday strolling out of Santiago's Anchorage, Alaska house whereas the investigation continued
Santiago served in Iraq in 2010 as a non-public firstclass and fight engineer. He acquired half a dozen medals earlier than receiving a normal discharge for unsatisfactory efficiency in August final 12 months
The Military vet (pictured left giving a one-fingered salute just like ISIS jihadists), has been recognized because the suspected gunman within the Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood airport capturing. He's mentioned to have a girlfriend and baby (proper) again in Alaska
It took deputies 70 to 80 seconds to come back into contact with the suspect, authorities mentioned Saturday morning throughout a information convention. FBI investigators have recognized all 5 victims within the assault however have but to verify their identities. Early reviews mentioned eight individuals have been injured within the capturing. That quantity was revised to 6 on Saturday morning. Three have been in good situation whereas three others have been within the ICU.
Santiago flew into the airport from Anchorage, Alaska (with a layover in Minneapolis-St Paul) on Delta flight 2182 with a firearm as his solely piece of checked baggage, in accordance with TSA laws, authorities imagine. The 26-year-old, who was wearing a Star Wars T-shirt, claimed his bag, went to the toilet to load his handgun after which began capturing individuals useless, based on the county commissioner.
Witnesses mentioned the gunman sprayed bullets round then lay down on the ground spread-eagled, awaiting arrest. They described the gunman as a 5'7'' male sporting a blue T-shirt.
Investigators mentioned on Saturday morning they hadn't recognized an altercation on the flight or at baggage declare that would have led to the capturing. They interviewed 175 witnesses throughout their probe.
The suspect got here to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport 'particularly to hold out this horrific assault', FBI Particular Agent In Cost George Piro mentioned Saturday morning at a information convention.
'We've got not recognized any triggers that will have brought about this assault,' he added. An early investigation revealed no explicit cause that would have brought about the suspect to choose the airport.
Terry Andres, of Virginia, and Olga Woltering, of Georgia, have been amongst those that have been killed. Andres, a 62-year-old grandfather, was on the airport together with his spouse to go on a trip, whereas Woltering was scheduled to go away on a cruise from Florida on Saturday along with her husband Ralph to have a good time his 90th birthday.
Michael Oehme, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was recognized Saturday as one of many 5 victims, based on native reviews. Oehme was about to go on a cruise together with his spouse, Kari Oehme. She was shot within the shoulder however is anticipated to outlive.
Almost 40 have been harm through the evacuation,CNN reported. A few of them got here out with damaged bones. Governor Rick Scott visited the airport Saturday morning after assembly with many survivors, a few of whom have been 'combating for his or her lives'.
'It was a fully horrific day,' Scott instructed USA Immediately in regards to the capturing. 'The particular person chargeable for this act will probably be delivered to justice to the furthest extent of the legislation.'
The airport reopened Saturday morning after a 16-hour shutdown, which included a mass evacuation with quite a few passengers taking cowl. Terminal 2, the place the capturing occurred, remained an lively crime scene. Airport officers have been going by way of greater than 20,000 baggage and private objects left through the evacuation. Safety has been elevated and will probably be re-evaluated sooner or later, Sheriff Scott Israel mentioned.
Governor Scott in the meantime has expressed his hope that guests will return to Florida sooner or later. 'We love our vacationers and we would like them to maintain coming again,' Scott mentioned Saturday morning on the airport, based on the Miami Herald. 'The primary precedence for our state is security.'
Investigators questioned Santiago at size after the capturing and as of Saturday morning hadn't dominated out terrorism as a attainable motive. They have been reviewing the captured man's current actions. Authorities imagine he acted alone.
'We will probably be pursuing each angle to attempt to decide the motive behind this assault,' particular agent accountable for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's workplace in Miami George Piro instructed The Related Press.
Santiago had gone AWOL a number of instances whereas serving within the Alaska Nationwide Guard, the Pentagon mentioned. He had served from 2007 to 2016 within the Puerto Rico Nationwide Guard and within the Alaska Nationwide Guard, together with a deployment to Iraq from 2010 to 2011.
The non-public firstclass and fight engineer acquired half a dozen medals earlier than getting a normal discharge for unsatisfactory efficiency in August final 12 months.
Santiago had additionally been investigated as half of a kid porn probe in 2011 or 2012, legislation enforcement instructed CBS Information. Authorities seized three weapons and a pc however did not file any expenses, the community reported.
The 26-year-old had a historical past of psychological well being points, based on his kinfolk - a few of which adopted his army service in Iraq a number of years in the past.
Authorities mentioned Santiago walked into an FBI workplace in Anchorage in November final 12 months claiming the federal government was attempting to regulate his thoughts and he was being compelled to look at ISIS movies, CBS reported.
Investigators did a background verify and located no connection between Santiago and terror teams, USA Immediately wrote. They turned over the suspect to native authorities for a medical referral.
After that incident, Santiago began getting therapy for his psychological well being points, sources mentioned.
He was beforehand pictured giving a one-fingered salute, which is usually utilized by Islamic State jihadists usually earlier than they embark on a suicide bombing.
Santiago was additionally contacted by the FBI after an employer again in Alaska raised issues about sure issues he had mentioned, based on ABC Information.
His aunt Maria Ruiz instructed NorthJersey.com that Santiago had returned from Iraq performing unusually however had appeared joyful after the start of his baby in September final 12 months.
However she mentioned one thing occurred to him a few month in the past and he was hospitalized for 2 weeks. She didn't have particulars of his situation.
'Like a month in the past, it was like he misplaced his thoughts. He mentioned he noticed issues,' she mentioned.
Santiago's brother Bryan Santiago mentioned he may have suffered a 'flashback' from his time in Iraq, regardless of by no means being recognized with PTSD, NBC reviews.
Delta airways employees helped clients as companies resumed Saturday after the capturing that left 5 useless on the airport
In the meantime a hazmat crew cleaned up the luggage declare space in Terminal 2, the place the lethal capturing occurred Friday
Passengers, together with 13-year-old Joey Rankin, waited with their baggage within the reopened Florida airport on Saturday
Florida Governor Rick Scott and US Consultant Debbie Wasserman Schultz are pictured arriving to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport Saturday for a press convention
FBI Miami Particular Agent in Cost George Piro spoke to reporters on the airport throughout a information convention Saturday morning
Giant strains snaked by way of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide airport on Saturday, only a day after the capturing
A person in a hazmat go well with was seen cleansing in Terminal 2 on the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide airport on Saturday
Cleanup was underway Saturday within the freshly reopened airport. Vacationers have been allowed in once more Saturday morning
Chaos erupted and passengers ran for canopy in Terminal 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport on Friday
Vacationers have been seen working throughout Terminal 1 whereas looking for cowl after the capturing unfolded within the airport's Terminal 2
Passengers took cowl behind and beneath rows of seats at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport's Terminal 1
Different vacationers ran out of Terminal 1 whereas a capturing in Terminal 2 left 5 individuals useless and 6 individuals injured
Passengers ran outdoors and throughout the tarmac as they evacuated the airport's Terminal 1 Friday within the wake of the capturing
The captured man was an Iraq veteran having served within the nation for one 12 months earlier than being discharged in August final 12 months. Police mentioned Santiago into Florida from Alaska on Friday, after transferring at Minneapolis-St Paul
Among the many first of the victims to be named is Terry Andres (pictured) - a 62-year-old grandfather who was on the airport together with his spouse to go on a trip
Olga Woltering, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, was scheduled to go away on a cruise from Florida on Saturday along with her husband Ralph to have a good time his 90th birthday
Michael Oehme (left), of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was recognized Saturday as one of many 5 victims, based on native reviews. Oehme was about to go on a cruise together with his spouse, Kari Oehme (proper). She was shot within the shoulder however is anticipated to outlive
Legislation enforcement officers o Friday evening examined the crime scene inside the luggage corridor within the airport's Terminal 2
An image shared on social media allegedly confirmed one of many individuals who was shot by a gunman
A capturing sufferer is taken into Broward Well being Trauma Heart in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A capturing sufferer is seen behind an ambulance after arriving on the Broward Well being Trauma Heart on Friday
The airport reopened early Saturday morning after a 16-hour shutdown. Pictured, passengers wait in line at Terminal four the day after the capturing
The airport's Terminal 2 remained against the law scene as of Saturday morning. Pictured, investigators walked in sporting particular footwear to proceed inspecting the realm
Cops walked previous passengers as they lined up in Terminal four, the morning after the capturing. Friday's assault prompted a frantic mass evacuation
Florida Governor Rick Scott met with displaced passengers Saturday morning at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport (pictured)
Governor Scott (pictured Saturday morning) visited the airport within the wake of Friday's capturing that left 5 individuals useless and 6 injured after a gunman opened fireplace in Terminal 2
The Broward sheriff shared this picture of a younger baby sleeping in a suitcase on the airport, saying the evening after the capturing had been lengthy for everybody and thanking the general public for his or her persistence
Gunman 'misplaced his head' after Iraq tour, say his household
Santaigo's aunt Maria Ruiz, who lives in New Jersey, mentioned that Santiago had returned from Iraq performing unusually however had appeared joyful after the start of his baby final 12 months
The person suspected to be behind the lethal capturing at Florida's Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport is an Iraq warfare veteran who had not too long ago grow to be a father and was struggling psychological well being points, based on his household.
Authorities imagine Esteban Santiago, 26, left 5 individuals useless and 6 wounded when he opened fireplace within the airport's baggage declare terminal on Friday.
His household have mentioned Santiago was battling psychiatric issues within the lead as much as the capturing and had not too long ago been hospitalized for therapy in Anchorage, Alaska.
Santiago had additionally been charged with home violence in opposition to his ex-girlfriend in January 2016, The Day by day Beast reviews.
He allegedly verbally abused her of their house in Anchorage, Alaska whereas she was locked within the toilet. Santiago is accused of then breaking down the door and hitting the lady within the head and strangling her.
Santiago was arrested days later after fleeing the scene however was launched on the situation he stayed away from the sufferer. He was charged with violating the circumstances in February 2016 after police discovered him at his girlfriend's house. The assault case was resolved in March.
His brother Bryan Santiago, who lives in Puerto Rico, mentioned his household obtained a name in current months from Santiago's girlfriend alerting them to his well being state of affairs.
He mentioned he did not know what his brother was being handled for and that they by no means talked about it over the cellphone.
The incident that sparked his hospitalization occurred in November when Santiago walked into an FBI workplace in Anchorage claiming the federal government was controlling his thoughts and forcing him to look at movies for ISIS, CBS reported.
A legislation enforcement official mentioned the FBI interviewed him after which referred to as the police, who took him for a psychological well being analysis. The FBI mentioned Santiago acknowledged he didn't wish to hurt anybody, however authorities have been involved by his erratic conduct. They mentioned they closed their evaluation of him as soon as he was admitted for therapy.
He was additionally contacted by the FBI after an employer again in Alaska raised issues about sure issues he had mentioned, based on ABC Information.
Santiago was born in New Jersey however moved to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico when he was two years outdated together with his mom and brother.
He grew up within the southern coastal city of Penuelas earlier than serving with the Puerto Rico Nationwide Guard from 2007. He finally joined the Alaska Nationwide guard from 2014 to 2016.
Santiago was deployed to Iraq in 2010 and spent a 12 months there with the 130th Engineer Battalion.
A non-public firstclass and fight engineer, he acquired half a dozen medals earlier than receiving a normal discharge for unsatisfactory efficiency in August final 12 months.
He had been residing in Anchorage, Alaska together with his girlfriend for 2 years earlier than they welcomed a baby in September final 12 months.
His aunt Maria Ruiz instructed NorthJersey.com that Santiago had returned from Iraq performing unusually however had appeared joyful after the start of his baby.
However she mentioned one thing occurred to him a few month in the past and he was hospitalized for 2 weeks. She didn't have particulars of his situation.
'Like a month in the past, it was like he misplaced his thoughts. He mentioned he noticed issues,' she mentioned.
His uncle, Hernan Rivera, mentioned: 'Solely factor I may let you know was when he got here out of Iraq, he wasn't feeling too good.'
Santiago's brother Bryan Santiago speculated a few motive for the capturing, saying he may have suffered a 'flashback' from his time in Iraq, regardless of by no means being recognized with PTSD, NBC reviews.
He mentioned had not too long ago been combating with individuals again in Alaska, together with his girlfriend with whom he was having relationship points.
He mentioned Santiago, who was 'was pro-America', has not spoken to his household for a number of weeks, which was uncommon.
The motive for the capturing continues to be not identified, however Florida Senator Marco Rubio instructed CNN that Santiago might have gotten into an altercation on his flight earlier that morning.
'I do know that was talked about as a possible trigger and so they wished to sort of look into that a little bit additional and get to that time,' Rubio mentioned.
Santiago's brother mentioned he had been combating with individuals again in Alaska, together with his girlfriend with whom he was having relationship points.
He mentioned Santiago, who was 'was pro-America', has not spoken to his household for a number of weeks.
'We've got not talked for the previous three weeks,' Bryan instructed the Related Press. 'That is a bit uncommon... I am in shock. He was a severe particular person... He was a traditional particular person.'
The gunman was born in New Jersey however moved to Puerto Rico the place his mom and brother nonetheless dwell. He got here again to Puerto Rico after serving in Iraq, earlier than shifting to Alaska. He lived there from 2014 to 2016 and his girlfriend and baby are nonetheless there. His most up-to-date deal with was in Naples, Florida.
Different particulars in regards to the shooter reveal he had a minor prison report for site visitors violations, based on court docket information. He was additionally evicted by his landlord for failing to pay lease in February 2015.
Santiago was charged with fourth-degree assault and injury of property in January 2016, stemming from a home violence incident.
In March, Santiago settled the fees by agreeing to finish unknown necessities demanded by prosecutors in alternate for dismissing the case.
Folks have been seen on the ground attempting to consolation family members (left), whereas others gave the impression to be shielding others (proper)
This image exhibits what would be the weapon utilized by the Fort Lauderdale shooter on Friday
About 90 minutes after the capturing within the airport on Friday, chaos broke out once more when law enforcement officials have been seen dashing into the parking storage with their weapons drawn whereas bystanders sought shelter behind autos.
However the Broward County Sheriff mentioned the one capturing that occurred was in Terminal 2 and that he believes solely the one gunman was concerned.
A witness instructed NBC Miami that the shooter was silent and did not seem like focusing on anybody specifically - 'popping off bullets at random'.
John Schlicher, who instructed MSNBC he noticed the assault, mentioned the shooter was 'immediately firing at us' whereas passengers waited for his or her baggage to come back off the carousel.
In one other interview with Fox Information, Schlicher mentioned that the shooter was aiming at individuals's heads.
'All of the individuals appeared to be shot within the head,' Schlicher mentioned. 'He was capturing individuals who have been down on the bottom too.'
The shooter reloaded as soon as for a second burst of capturing, Schlicher mentioned, however he couldn't say what number of bullets have been fired.
Santiago's aunt Maria Ruiz (pictured), who lives in New Jersey, mentioned he had returned from Iraq performing unusually however had appeared joyful after the start of his baby final 12 months
Authorities examine the house of Maria Luisa Ruiz in Union Metropolis, New Jersey. Ruiz is the aunt of the Esteban Santiago, the primary suspect within the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport Taking pictures on Friday
Santiago had been residing on this house complicated in Anchorage, Alaska together with his girlfriend and their new child child
Terrified individuals have been seen working throughout the tarmac about 2:30 pm - greater than an hour after the capturing was reported
An armed police officer together with his handgun drawn is seen serving to a lady evacuate through the chaos
Folks take cowl outdoors Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport, Friday, January 6
Police help individuals looking for cowl outdoors of Terminal 2 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport
Police compelled bystanders to take cowl and lay low outdoors the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport
Individuals are seen desperately working throughout the tarmac after the capturing earlier within the afternoon
Legislation enforcement personnel arrive in an armored automotive on the airport after the lethal capturing that noticed 5 killed
Folks stand on the tarmac on the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport
Folks wait on the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide airport after a capturing came about close to the luggage declare
Police query people who find themselves evacuating from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport close to the tarmac
Stunning video has emerged from contained in the terminal the place a gunman opened fireplace on Friday. One lady walked in direction of the digicam and mentioned there had been bullets 'flying all over the place' through the capturing
Mark Lea, a 53-year-old monetary adviser from Minneapolis, says he was in baggage declare when the capturing began.
'I used to be dodging bullets and attempting to assist individuals get out of the best way,' Lea mentioned.
'At first we thought it was firecrackers,' he mentioned. 'Everybody began screaming and working. The shooter made his method down by way of baggage declare. He had what appeared like a 9mm and emptied his complete clip. Folks have been attempting to run.'
Ari Fleischer, a former White Home spokesman who was on the scene, tweeted: 'I am on the Ft Lauderdale Airport. Photographs have been fired. Everyone seems to be working.'
Cellphone video footage broadcast by native Fox tv affiliate Channel 7 confirmed one particular person mendacity bloodied on the ground, and several other others on their knees.
A passenger named as Peter Cruise mentioned he believed that vacationers on his airplane have been among the many victims.
He mentioned he and his household 'have been strolling up the ramp and simply handed the checking gate when all a sudden everyone began working.'
'I grabbed the youngsters and took off working down the ramp. Instructed the flight attendant to allow us to off the tarmac, we ran to cover behind some baggage carts.'
Video from the airport Friday afternoon confirmed lots of of passengers corralled collectively on the tarmac with emergency autos parked outdoors the terminal with lights flashing.
Governor Rick Scott rushed to the airport to be briefed on the capturing, as dozens of police and emergency autos converged on the scene.
President-elect Donald Trump mentioned he had spoken with Scott, and was 'monitoring the horrible state of affairs in Florida.'
'Ideas and prayers for all. Keep protected!' he tweeted.
President Barack Obama has additionally been briefed on the growing state of affairs.
He instructed ABC Information on Friday evening that he was 'heartbroken' for the households affected.
'These sorts of tragedies have occurred too usually through the eight years I've been president. The ache, the grief, the shock that they have to be going by way of is gigantic,' he mentioned.
The Florida assault was the newest in a sequence of mass shootings which have plagued america in recent times, some impressed by militants with an excessive view of Islam, others who're loners or mentally disturbed who've quick access to weapons beneath U.S. gun legal guidelines.
Jesse Davis, chief of police at Ted Stevens Anchorage Worldwide Airport, mentioned Santiago did not name consideration to himself and 'so far as we are able to inform' traveled alone from Alaska to Florida.
He mentioned firearm was his solely piece of checked baggage.
Authorities are attempting to trace Santiago's actions by way of Alaska's largest industrial airport utilizing video footage.
Davis famous that it is not traditional for vacationers on the Alaska airport to verify firearms as a result of many individuals hunt.
Donald Trump tweeted that he was monitoring the state of affairs on the airport about an hour after it occurred
Folks take cowl on the Ft. Lauderdale Airport after a gunman killed 5 individuals and injured many extra
Police help a lady looking for cowl outdoors Terminal 2 on the Florida airport on Friday
Two heavily-armed legislation enforcement officers are seen standing outdoors the storage on the airport. There had been reviews of a possible second incident
Legislation enforcement personnel stand close to the airport on Friday as they secured the encircling space
A gaggle of persons are seen strolling out of a parking storage with their fingers within the air after the capturing
A legislation enforcement helicopter is seen flying over a storage on the airport after it was put into lockdown
Folks take cowl outdoors Terminal 2 of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide. One lady is brazenly weeping as she hides behind the barrier
An official is seen directing individuals who have been working on the tarmac in Florida on Friday afternoon
Police evacuate a civilian from an space at Fort Lauderdale Airport about 3pm on Friday after the capturing
Footage confirmed law enforcement officials in a stairwell because the airport remained against the law scene into the afternoon
Photograph courtesy of Taylor Elenburg exhibits passengers gathering on the tarmac of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport in Florida after a gunman opened fireplace
Vacationers and airport employees are evacuated out of the terminal after airport capturing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport in Florida
A closely armored automobile is seen heading to the the airport after the capturing on Friday afternoon
An aerial view taken on April 20, 2016 exhibits the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport in Florida, the place a gunman opened fireplace on Friday
Individuals who have been evacuated onto the tarmac have been put onto buses and moved. The airport was then shut down
Former White Home Press Secretary Ari Fleischer was within the airport on the time of the capturing and tweeted about what was occurring
'My laptop computer saved my life', claims passenger
A person's laptop computer remarkably saved him from being struck by a bullet within the lethal capturing at Florida's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport.
Steve Frappier was within the baggage declare space of the airport's terminal when a gunman believed to be Esteban Santiago opened fireplace on Friday, killing 5 and injuring six.
Frappier instructed CNN that his laptop computer, which was within the bag he was carrying on his again, managed to deflect a bullet.
'The backpack saved my life,' he mentioned.
When he dropped to the ground after listening to gunfire, Frappier mentioned his backpack remained on his again.
'I used to be on the bottom like a tortoise with the backpack,' he mentioned.
He mentioned the shooter shot in his course and he felt one thing hit his again, however he simply assumed it was items of close by baggage given he was not injured.
'It was solely later after I went to the toilet to verify myself out that (I discovered) the bullet had entered my backpack, hit my laptop computer,' he mentioned.
'Later after I gave my bag to the FBI for investigation, they discovered the bullet within the pocket of my backpack.'
Frappier took a photograph of the place the bullet struck his laptop computer.
He was one of many many inside Terminal 2 of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport when the 26-year-old Iraq warfare veteran began randomly capturing individuals together with his handgun.
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