Man charged with killing five in Fort Lauderdale airport massacre ‘tells FBI he carried out horror attack in the name of ISIS’
FBI agent reveals Esteban Santiago told them he was acting on behalf of the terrorist organisation
MAN charged with killing five people at an American airport told the FBI he gunned down innocent bystanders in the name of ISIS.
A special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed Esteban Santiago's motivation for the Fort Lauderdale shooter at his bond hearing on Tuesday.
Michael Ferlazzo did not elaborate any further on it the gunman was linked to ISIS or inspired by the terrorist organisation.
Alaskad Federal Authorities said Santiago had told them before his attack he had heard voices and he believed his mind was being controlled by the CIA.
According to , he originally made similar claims when he was questioned after the shooting.
However, Ferlazzo testified when he was transferred to the FBI office in Miramar, Florida, Santiago started making claims about ISIS and didn't mention his mind being controlled again.
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The terror group has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack which happened on January 6 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Ferlazzo, who carried out the interview in Miramar, said Santiago claimed to be fighting for ISIS and had been in touch via jihadi chat rooms with like-minded people.
Santiago faces charges of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm, and performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury.
Eight other people were injured in the horror attack at the Florida airport that saw terrified travellers dive for cover amid the baggage reclaim section of the airport.
In a clip obtained by , young children could be seen walking beside Santiago, just moments before he produced a handgun and began his murderous rampage.
Before committed the crime he was said to have “walked into an FBI office claiming he was being forced to fight for ISIS”.
Santiago is alleged to have spoken to authorities about the terror group in November.
At Tuesday's hearing, it was ruled Santiago would be held without bond, with his next court appearance is January 30.
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