Shots Fired at Fort Lauderdale Airport, Killing 1

The Latest: Fort Lauderdale Airport Shooting

A gunman opened fire, shooting at least 12 people and killing five of them

[Update: January 9, 2017 8:45 a.m.]

Footage obtained by TMZ from Fort Lauderdale's surveillance system shows Esteban Santiago, 26, pulling a gun from his waistband in the baggage claim area of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport's terminal two just before shooting 13 people, five of which died as a result of the ambush.

Police believe that Santiago checked a firearm into his luggage in Alaska before boarding a flight to Fort Lauderdale. When the plan landed, he picked up his luggage from terminal two's baggage claim area, found a nearby bathroom, loaded his gun and hid it in the waistband of his pants. From there, he exited the bathroom, walked in-sync with other travelers through the terminal before pulling the gun and open firing.

Police were able to take Santiago into custody without harming him. In an effort to identify him, they found on him a military ID. According to the military, Santiago had nine years of service with the National Guard, including a 10-month tour in Iraq.

Santiago told police that he bought a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale and brought a Walther 9 millimeter pistol and two magazines. He admitted that he shot about 15 shots and was aiming at people's heads.

Santiago is expected to be formally charged Monday, January 9 with counts of causing serious bodily injury to someone at an international airport; using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime; and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.

As of Monday morning, two of the victims remain in the intensive care unit at Broward General Hospital, while the remaining victims have either been released or are recovering at the hospital. Police believe an additional 20+ people were injured during the events, not as a result of gunfire, but panic.

Rumors spread through the airport as the gunfire rang out and afterwards. People were evacuated on to tarmacs while police swept the airport, looking for additional threats. Just as Santiago was boarded up and taken off, people were allowed to re-enter the terminals to be re-screened through security.

About a half hour later, panic set in again as rumors of a second shooter spread. People ran for their lives back out to the tarmac, hiding behind machinery and large equipment.

Police said at a press conference that additional  threats to the airport were unconfirmed.

[UPDATE: January 6, 2017 2:30 p.m.]

The Associated Press is now reporting that at least five people were killed in the shooting, and 12 were injured. Police say the shooting happened in Terminal 2 in the baggage claim area outside the TSA checkpoint. The shooter acted alone.

Original story posted below.

According to multiple reports, a gunman opened fire at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida Friday afternoon, shooting nine people and killing at least one. Local law enforcement announced the gunman was in custody.

At this time it is unclear whether the shooting took place inside an airport terminal or not. Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer was at the airport at the time, saying everyone was running and eventually it calmed down.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.