Video emerges of Florida airport gunman opening fire

MIAMI: Video of the moment a gunman opened fire at a Florida airport emerged Sunday as authorities try to piece together his motive for traveling to the state to carry out a killing spree that left five dead and six wounded.

Iraq war vet Esteban Santiago flew to the Fort Lauderdale airport on Friday and retrieved a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and ammunition that he had declared and packed in his checked luggage.

Video released by the TMZ website showed Santiago, bearded and wearing a blue shirt, walking calmly through the baggage claim area. He strolled past some passengers before removing a gun from his waistband and nonchalantly launching the attack.

One woman hid behind a luggage cart as others ducked for cover following several milliseconds of stunned confusion.

According to authorities, Santiago, who had previously shown signs of ‘erratic behavior,’ continued shooting until he ran out of ammunition.

The US Justice Department on Saturday charged Santiago, 26, with firearms offenses and carrying out an act of violence, for which he could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Monday.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told CNN Sunday that two of the victims remained in intensive care while the other four had been released or were recovering in the hospital. — AFP