Just before 1 pm on Friday the Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the lower level of Terminal 2 at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. It took seven -eight second to respond to shots being fired.
A lone gunman, Esteban Santiago, opened fire in the baggage claim area. He killed five people and wounded six.
Airport operations were completely halted as deputies and officers from local, state and federal agencies fanned across airport property to ensure there were no additional threats present. The airport was closed due to a report that there was a second shooter. This turned out not to be true but the Sheriff Israel felt it was the best action to take to ensure the public safety.
In addition to those killed and wounded, about three dozen others were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries such as chest pain, anxiety, fall injuries, etc.
Once the airport was cleared, patrons who had vehicles parked at the airport were allowed to leave the premises. Passengers without a mode of transportation were bused to Terminal 4 at Port Everglades.
Commercial flights will resume on Saturday. Even though #FLL will open, your flight may be cancelled so please check with your airline.
— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport (FLL) (@FLLFlyer) January 7, 2017
At this time, the victims’ names are not being released pending notification of their next of kin.
Santiago was be booked into the BSO Main Jail. He will be charged federally. He will be in court on Monday.
The FBI is working closely with the Broward Sheriffs office. They need to ID the deceased and make the proper notifications.
Toll Free Number Set up for assistance
Broward County has established a toll-free number for passengers and family members affected by this afternoon’s incident at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
For baggage and personal item retrieval, please call 866-435-9355.#FLLUpdate
— Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport (FLL) (@FLLFlyer) January 7, 2017
A Family Assistance Center has been established at the Renaissance Hotel, 1617 SE 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. The telephone number of the hotel is 954-626-1700.
Friends and family can call the Broward County Call Center, toll free, at 866-435-9355, for the latest information. The Call Center will be open for extended hours today and until further notice.
Get breaking news updates on Twitter @ FLLFlyer.
A picture says a thousand words. It was a long night for everyone. Thank you to the public for your patience. #FLLshooting pic.twitter.com/nfhOV6TkN2
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) January 7, 2017
Media Staging
A media staging area has been established between Terminal 1 and 2 of the Airport, on the upper level. The Broward Emergency Operation Center is at a Level 2 (partial) activation to coordinate any additional resources in support of the incident.
