5 dead in Fla. airport shooting

A gunman opened fire at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport on Friday, leaving multiple people dead and others wounded, according to the local sheriff’s office.

The Broward County Sheriff’s office said that five people were dead and eight others were transported to the hospital. It confirmed that a suspect was in custody.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) identified the shooter on MSNBC as Esteban Santiago, saying he was carrying a military identification but it wasn’t clear if it was current or someone else’s.

SWAT teams were clearing the airport Friday afternoon in what Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel described as a “fluid and active” scene. He said authorities believe shots were only fired in the baggage claim area in Terminal 2.

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Israel said the suspect in custody was “arrested without incident” and was “unharmed,” adding he was being interviewed by FBI agents and local detectives.

“No law enforcement fired any shots,” Israel said during a press conference, saying the suspect was taken into custody by a sheriff’s deputy.

“At this point it looks like he acted alone,” the sheriff added, declining to discuss a potential motive.

President Obama was briefed on the shooting by his top homeland security adviser, Lisa Monaco, according to National Security Council spokesman Ned Price. Obama will receive updates as the investigation unfolds, Price said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said he was on his way to the airport to be briefed by law enforcement officials.

President-elect Donald Trump also tweeted that he was “monitoring the terrible situation in Florida,” offering his thoughts and prayers for those involved.

I am on my way to Fort Lauderdale International Airport to be briefed by law enforcement.

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) January 6, 2017

Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Just spoke to Governor Scott. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2017

The airport said on Twitter that it would remain closed “for an extended period of time.” Several flights were also diverted to other airports in southern Florida, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. 

#FLL is currently closed and will be for an extended period of time. Please contact your airline about your flight https://t.co/Uwbaa6n6aB.

— Ft. Laude-Hlwd Int’l (@FLLFlyer) January 6, 2017

Everyone evacuated off neighboring plane after reported shooting in baggage. We’re sitting on tarmac. Florida! pic.twitter.com/4h5kRTECso

— Stephen Falk (@stephenfalk) January 6, 2017

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer tweeted from the scene at the airport that “shots have been fired” and “everybody is running.”

Fleischer followed up in another tweet, saying that “all seems calm now,” but he added that police weren’t letting anyone leave the area of the airport he was in.

I’m at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shots have been fired. Everyone is running.

— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) January 6, 2017

The police said there is one shooter and five victims.

— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) January 6, 2017

All seems calm now but the police aren’t letting anyone out of the airport – at least not the area where I am.

— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) January 6, 2017

Jordan Fabian contributed

Updated: 3:55 p.m.