SUSPECT CHARGED IN FLA. AIRPORT SLAYINGS
Man could get death penalty in ‘ horrific’ crime that left 5 dead, 6 wounded
Federal prosecutors late Saturday filed charges against a man accused of going on a shooting rampage at a Florida airport that killed five people. The charges could bring the death penalty if he is convicted.
The Miami U. S. attorney’s office accused Esteban Santiago of an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death. He was also charged with two firearms offenses.
Earlier Saturday, the FBI said Santiago flew to the Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport specifically to carry out the attack, but his motive remains unclear.
Federal authorities, who concluded their interview with Santiago early Saturday, said they have not ruled out ter- rorism in the attack at the Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport on Friday but believe he acted alone.
“Indications are that he came here to carry out this horrific act,” said George Piro, special agent in charge of the Miami office. “We have not identified any triggers that would’ve caused this attack.” He also said it was unclear why the shooter would have picked the Florida airport for the rampage.
Santiago, a 26- year- old Iraq veteran, was taken into custody only seconds after the melee ended at the baggage claim area of Terminal 2. Witnesses said the shooter reloaded at least twice, then dropped to the floor spread- eagle and waited to be arrested after running out of ammunition.
Broward County Sheriff Steve Israel on Saturday revised downward the number of people wounded in the incident from eight to six, including three people being treated in intensive care and three listed in good condition.
Piro said Santiago was booked on federal murder charges at the Broward County jail.
Santiago arrived in Fort Lauderdale early Friday aboard a Delta flight that originated Thursday.
Piro said Santiago allegedly retrieved his 9mm automatic handgun that he had packed in checked luggage and opened fire on passengers around a baggage carousel. He said investigators were looking at video to get a clear picture of how the shooting unfolded and whether any other person might have helped the gunman.
“We are continuing to look at the terrorism angle as a potential motivation,” Piro said. “At this point, it appears he acted alone.” He added it appeared the suspect followed federal procedures in checking in the weapon before boarding his original flight.
Passengers and their relatives described screams and horror as shots rang out in the baggage area.
Karen Amador, 47, of Boynton Beach, Fla., said she was just arriving to pick up her father, who was flying in from Puerto Rico, when she saw two helicopters hovering over the runway.
She described seeing large numbers of law- enforcement vehicles coming in. “It’s insane; it’s like a war zone,” Amador said.
The names of the slain victims released so far:
Terry Andres, of Virginia. He was a volunteer support technician with the Oceana Volunteer Fire Department from April 2004 through 2010, said Art Kohn, spokesman for the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
Michael Oehme, 57, of Iowa, was identified as a victim by his sister. Elizabeth Oehme- Miller also told the Associated Press by phone Saturday that her brother’s wife, 52- year- old Kari Oehme, was shot in the shoulder and was expected to recover.