Florida airport gun suspect in custody

Police officers in Florida have questioned a suspected gunman after five people were killed and eight injured in a shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport.

The suspect has been identified by police as 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, an Iraq war veteran, the BBC reports.

Officials said they have not ruled out terrorism as a possible motive.

United States media said the man may have been mentally disturbed. He reportedly said the government was controlling his mind and made him watch jihadist videos.

The attacker opened fire at the baggage claim area of Terminal 2 as passengers were collecting their luggage. Witnesses said he walked along the carousels and did not say anything as he shot people who were trying to run or hide.

He surrendered to police when he ran out of ammunition, witnesses added.

The man, who was wearing a Star Wars T-shirt, had travelled from Alaska, officials said.

He checked in an unloaded gun and ammunition with his luggage, and loaded the semi-automatic gun in the bathroom after landing and collecting his bag.

“We are looking at all avenues. We have not ruled out terrorism and we will be pursuing every angle to try to determine the motive behind this attack,” the FBI’s George Piro told journalists.

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