Fort Lauderdale airport shooting - what we know

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Friday, January 6, 2017
Passengers stand on the tarmac following a shooting at Fort Lauderdale's airport.
Steve Campion-KTRK

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (KABC) -- Multiple people were killed and injured after a gunman opened fire at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Here's what we know so far.

THE SHOOTING:

  • At least five people were killed and eight others were wounded, Broward County Sheriff's Office said.
  • The shooting happened in a baggage claim area of Terminal 2, federal sources told ABC News, and TSA officials said the area was "not secure."
  • The terminal was evacuated until about 11:30 a.m. PST. It was later "repopulated" and all passengers were being rescreened, TSA officials said.
  • Witnesses said the gunman shouted "I'm not Jewish," repeatedly, as he held a "long gun" and opened fire indiscriminately.
  • Law enforcement officials said Santiago boarded a plane Thursday night in Anchorage, changed planes in Minneapolis and flew to Fort Lauderdale Friday.
  • Once he got off the plane, officials said he claimed his checked baggage, went into a restroom and came out shooting.

MORE: Ft. Lauderdale Airport Shooting: 5 people dead, 8 hurt; suspect in custody

THE GUNMAN:

  • The gunman has been taken into custody. ABC News confirmed the shooter's name is Esteban Santiago, per law enforcement sources.
  • The Army Criminal Investigation Division said Santiago was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard in 2016. He worked as a combat engineer.
  • Authorities said in an afternoon press conference Santiago had a legally-checked gun in his luggage.
  • Santiago was born in New Jersey, but a state official said he apparently hasn't lived in New Jersey for "quite some time."
  • He has a recent address listed in Anchorage, Alaska.

THE ARREST:

  • Broward County sheriff's officials said the suspect was not harmed and was taken into custody without incident. He was being interviewed by sheriff's detectives and FBI investigators.
  • Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said there was only one shooter behind the attack.
  • Officials said Santiago was arrested after he apparently ran out of ammunition at the airport. He was lying down at the terminal when he was taken into custody.

THE IMPACT:

  • Federal official tells ABC News that all departures and arrivals at the airport are currently suspended until the situation is resolved.
  • LAX Airport Police said security has been increased in terminals and baggage areas in response to the Ft. Lauderdale shooting.
  • Bob Hope Airport in Burbank also said security measures were increased as a precaution.
  • Authorities said there are no threats to Southern California airports following the deadly rampage in Florida.
  • There are six arriving and six departing nonstop flights between LAX and FLL scheduled for Friday. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines regarding flight status.
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A law enforcement officer evacuates a civilian from an area at Fort Lauderdale-€“Hollywood International Airport, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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