The shooter has been identified as Esteban Santiago, sounds hispanic, maybe CUBAN
FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) – According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, there are at least five people dead and eight injured after a shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and TSA is reporting there is an active shooter still at the airport.
At around 2:35 p.m., Friday, TSA sent out a statement that there was an active shooter at FLL.
Scores of police and law enforcement officials have descended on to the airport. It seems they may be working to secure the area. At around an hour and half since the shooting, several heavily armored officers ran into a parking garage and ordered everyone to get on the ground and take cover.
Around this same time, civilians were also seen running across the tarmac.
FLL now being evacuated onto tarmac after shooting
Earlier in the day, FLL officials said the shooting took place in the lower level baggage claim area, in Terminal 2, at around 12:55 p.m., Friday.
There was an active shooter call earlier in the day. By 1 p.m., one subject was in custody.
Broward County’s Sheriff said the suspect is a lone shooter and has killed at least five victims.
The extent of the confirmed eight victims’ injuries is unknown at this time. However, eight people were transported to a nearby hospital.
Confirmed: Shooting at Fort Lauderdale -Hollywood International Airport with multiple people dead. One subject in custody.
Authorities first cleared the terminal around gates D4 and D5, located at the north side of the airport. They also closed off the lower level between terminals 2 and 3. Terminal 2 is closed, according to the FAA.
All roadways to these terminals are closed, as well.
At 2 p.m., the FAA issued a ground stop for all flights at FLL.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Ground Stop for flights @FLLFlyer – Check with your airline on flight status http://www.fly.faa.gov/ https://twitter.com/FLLFlyer/status/817443211908149253 …
Hundreds of passengers and airport employees were immediately cleared out from the area and escorted out onto the tarmac. This area has been secured. By 1:25, these hundreds of people were still outside on the tarmac but buses were en route to transport them away from the area.
By 1:40 p.m., the large group of passengers and airport employees who were out on the tarmac were allowed to return to the airport. People were lined up near gate D3 as they waited in line to be escorted back to their gates.
MIA announces extra security measures after FLL shooting
According to Miami International Airport, out of an abundance of caution, extra security measures are in place. However, all operations continue as normal.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott is on his way to FLL after hearing reports of the shooting, according to the governor’s office.
Travelers are advised to contact their airlines before going to the airport. Expect major delays on nearby roadways such as I-95 and the Airport Expressway.