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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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FBI have not ruled out terrorism as motive for shooting

George Piro said the FBI is investigating the motive behind the attack. Credit: APTN

The FBI has not ruled out terrorism as a motive for the Fort Lauderdale shooting, an official said.

Lead investigator for the FBI, George Piro, said the suspect Esteban Santiago will be charged federally.

"With these types of incidents, as horrific as they are, we are looking at all avenues, we have not ruled out terrorism and we will be pursuing every angle as we try to determine the motive behind this attack," he said.

Scott Israel, sheriff of Broward County, said that Santiago was taken into custody "without incident".

Five people died in the shooting and eight others were injured.

Up to 40 more people were treated for injuries after the incident including broken bones and strains, Israel said.

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British great-grandmother among Fort Lauderdale shooting victims

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