Airport rampage suspect is assigned public defender

Santiago in court to face federal charges

Airport shooting rampage suspect Esteban Santiago made his first court appearance Monday under tight security as more details emerged about the man and the horrifying crime he’s accused of committing.

Santiago, 26, was confined by wrist and ankle shackles at Monday’s hearing where U. S. Magistrate Alicia Valle explained the charges — federal firearms and airport violence charges that could draw the death penalty.

Santiago said he understood the seriousness of the charges, and that he couldn’t afford a lawyer. Valle appointed public defender Robert Berube to the case.

“I just met my client. I have nothing to say,” Berube said as he left the federal courthouse.

Five people were killed and six wounded at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport before authorities say the Iraq war veteran ran out of ammunition and gave himself up. Santiago is being held pending a detention hearing Jan. 17. His arraignment was set for Jan. 23.

Santiago spoke with law enforcement officials for several hours after Friday’s shooting. The criminal complaint, filed by FBI Special Agent Michael Ferlazzo, says Santiago admitted planning the attack, buying a one- way ticket from Anchorage and checking a box that contained a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and two magazines.

Santiago said he claimed the box, loaded it in a bathroom, walked out and “shot the first people he encountered,” the complaint says. He said he emptied two magazines, firing about 15 shots. No motive is given. However, in November Santiago did walk into an Anchorage FBI office and complain that the government was controlling his mind and compelling him to watch Islamic State videos.

Charles Ewing, a University at Buffalo law professor and author of Insanity: Murder, Madness and the Law, says motive probably doesn’t matter. “The term ‘ motive’ usually connotes a rational reason for doing something,” Ewing said. “People who are hearing voices or suffering delusions — as this suspect appeared to be — often act irrationally. Moreover, proof of motive is not required for the prosecution of any crime, including murder.”

Despite the tragedy, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said security at the airport is “where it needs to be.”

AMY BETH BENNETT, AP Esteban Santiago on Monday.