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British great-grandmother among Fort Lauderdale shooting victims

A British great-grandmother has been named as one of the five people killed in a shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport in Florida.

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, is in custody. He reportedly served in Iraq with the National Guard but was discharged last year.

Authorities have said they believe the suspect chose to travel to the airport for the attack.

A gun taken from Santiago when he underwent a psychological evaluation last year was returned to him, police in Alaska have said.

In November, he contacted the FBI and said the government was controlling his mind and forcing him to watch so-called Islamic State videos.

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Authorities: Suspect chose to travel to airport for attack

George Piro, special agent in charge of the FBI's Miami office. Credit: APTN

The suspect in the Florida airport shooting chose to travel to Fort Lauderdale to carry out the attack which left five people dead, authorities have said.

The suspect "'came here specifically to carry out this horrific attack", George Piro, special agent in charge of the FBI's Miami office said.

Mr Piro added there were no signs of any altercation on board the flight or at baggage claim.

Mr Piro continued that Esteban Santiago, 26, the suspect, was cooperating with investigators and was interviewed for several hours overnight.

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