US seeks death penalty in Florida airport shooting

FORT LAUDERDALE: While investigators try to figure out the motive of an Iraq war veteran accused of killing five travelers at a busy international airport in Florida, the suspected gunman was charged and could face the death penalty if convicted.

The Iraq war veteran accused of killing five people and wounding six others at a busy international airport in Florida was charged on Saturday and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Esteban Santiago, 26, told investigators that he planned the attack, buying a one-way ticket to the Fort Lauderdale airport, a federal complaint said. Authorities don’t know why he chose his target and have not ruled out terrorism.

Santiago was charged with an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death — which carries a maximum punishment of execution — and weapons charges.

“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,” United States attorney Wifredo Ferrer said.

Authorities said they had interviewed roughly 175 people, including a lengthy interrogation with the cooperative suspect, a former National Guard soldier from Alaska.