Florida Shooting: Suspect could face death penalty
US authorities have charged the Iraq war vet accused of shooting five people dead and wounding six at a Florida airport with federal crimes that could carry the death penalty.
The Justice Department on Saturday charged Esteban Santiago, 26, with firearms offenses and carrying out an act of violence when he opened fire at the busy Fort Lauderdale airport.
Santiago, who had earlier shown signs of "erratic behavior," arrived Friday on a flight from Alaska.
At baggage claim he retrieved a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and ammunition that he had declared and stowed inside his checked luggage, then allegedly loaded the weapon in a bathroom and opened fire in the crowded baggage claim area.
FBI special agent George Piro said agents were looking into the motives for the attack, including "continuing to look at the terrorism angle."
Santiago is scheduled to make an initial court appearance today.
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