Fort Lauderdale: While investigators try to figure out the motive of an Iraq war veteran accused of killing five travelers and wounding six others at a busy international airport in Florida, the suspected gunman was charged and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Esteban Santiago, 26, was charged with an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death which carries a maximum punishment of execution and weapons charges.
Santiago told investigators that he planned the attack buying a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale. On November 7, Santiago walked into the FBI’s Anchorage office and complained that his mind was being controlled by national intelligence agencies, which was forcing him to watch ISIS videos.
Santiago’s weapon was taken by police for safekeeping at the time, and he was able to reclaim it on December 8. However, it was not known whether it was the same gun used in the rampage in Fort Lauderdale.
