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Multiple people dead in shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport

This story is developing.

 

Andrew Couts

Tech

Posted on Jan 6, 2017   Updated on May 25, 2021, 6:16 am CDT

A shooting at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has left at least five people dead and eight others injured, according to police.

Broward County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that “multiple people” were killed in the attack. CNN has confirmed that five victims have died. The sheriff’s office later said five people had died from their injuries, while eight others suffered injuries. Police did not release any other details about the victims.

Police tell CNN they have arrested one suspect, whose identity is reportedly 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, according to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who told MSNBC that Santiago was carrying a military ID. The FBI is questioning Santiago, who was arrested without incident.

Broward police say the suspect used a firearm that he checked in his bag to carry out the shooting. The suspect declared the firearm when he checked his bag, authorities said.

Authorities believe there was only one person involved in the shooting.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport confirmed the incident occurred at the Terminal 2 baggage claim. Delta airline operates out of Terminal 2.

Travelers were evacuated from Terminal 2 following the shooting as a precaution. Some were held on the tarmac.

George W. Bush was at the airport when the shooting occurred.

Update: 1:42pm ET, Jan. 6: Authorities tell CNN that they believe the suspect shooter acted alone. The airport is expected to be shut down for several hours.

Update 1:49pm ET, Jan. 6: Broward County Sherrif’s office says “multiple people” have been killed in the shooting. The exact number of victims has not yet been released. We have updated our headline to account for the new information.

Update 2:07pm ET, Jan. 6: CNN confirms at least three victims have died.

Update 2:12pm ET, Jan. 6: CNN confirms five people have died. The number of victims may continue to rise.

Update 2:27pm ET, Jan. 6: A second incident appears to have occurred. Several dozen travelers began running outside of the airport after being allowed back inside. Details about the second incident remain unknown.

Update 2:57pm ET, Jan. 6: Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) tells MSNBC that the shooting suspect is 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, who was carrying a military ID.

Update 3:50pm ET, Jan. 6: Police say five people have died, eight others suffered injuries. They also say the suspect used a firearm that he properly checked in his bag.

This story is developing.

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*First Published: Jan 6, 2017, 1:33 pm CST