Suspected Florida shooter claims attack for Daesh: FBI

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The suspected gunman who is charged with opening fire at a Florida airport, killing five victims and wounding six others, has claimed to have carried out the attack on behalf of Daesh, the FBI said Tuesday.

Speaking at a bond hearing in Florida, FBI Special Agent Michael Ferlazzo testified that Esteban Santiago did not specify whether he was acting on Daesh's orders or was inspired by the group, according to CNN.

Ferlazzo said Santiago told him that he was in touch with like-minded individuals on jihadi web forums as they plotted similar attacks.

He previously admitted to carrying out the mass shooting, according to authorities.

Santiago faces multiple charges related to the Jan. 7 shootings at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, including using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury; and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.

If convicted, he could face the death penalty on the last two charges.

Santiago deployed to Iraq in 2010 as part of the Puerto Rico National Guard, and stayed there for a year before returning to the U.S. He reportedly suffered from mental health problems.

Santiago is being held without bond following Tuesday's hearing. He will next appear in court Jan. 30.