Florida gunman smirks as he arrives in handcuffs at court accused of opening fire at airport, killing 5 people
AN Iraqi war veteran accused of the Florida airport massacre arrived at court today to face charges that could see him executed.
Esteban Santiago has admitted killing five people during Friday's attack in Fort Lauderdale.
Eight others were injured in the horror attack that saw terrified travellers dive for cover amid the baggage reclaim section of the airport.
Young children are seen walking beside the shooter just moments before he produces a handgun and begins his murderous rampage in the clip obtained by .
The prime suspect in the case is believed to have “walked into an FBI office claiming he was being forced to fight for ISIS”.
Esteban Santiago is alleged to have spoken to authorities about the terror group in November.
Authorities say they have not ruled out terrorism as a motive but are also probing whether mental illness played a role.
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Santiago told officials he was hearing voices in his head, some of which were telling him to join ISIS and watch their videos, and was taken to hospital for a mental health evaluation.
He also told the FBI the government controlled his mind.
The suspect's aunt Maria Ruiz Rivera claimed the alleged shooter "lost his mind" while fighting in Iraq.
A former member of the Puerto Rico and Alaska National Guard, Santiago served in Iraq from April 2010 to February 2011. He ended his service in August.
On November 7, he walked into the FBI's office in Anchorage, Alaska and complained that his mind was being controlled by national intelligence agencies, which were forcing him to watch Islamic State jihadist videos, authorities said.
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