Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting Suspect Charged
Esteban Santiago, 26, is accused of opening fire at Fort Lauderdale airport, killing five people and injuring six others.
He is charged with carrying out an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death, which carries a maximum punishment of execution.
Mr Santiago also faces lesser weapons charges.
The suspect, who is in custody, told agents he had planned the attack and bought a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale, according to court papers.
Authorities said they did not know why he chose this target and that terrorism had not been ruled out.
“Today’s charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target our residents and visitors,” US Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said.
Mr Santiago is said to have used a semi-automatic handgun that he apparently legally checked on a flight from Alaska.