UPDATE 3 - 5 victims shot dead at US airport

UPDATES THROUGHOUT

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) – At least five people were killed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in southeastern Florida, authorities said Friday.

Eight other shooting victims have been transferred to a nearby hospital, according to the Broward County Sheriff.

"I'm at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shots have been fired. Everyone is running," Ari Fleischer, who was former President George W. Bush spokesman, tweeted from the scene.

He later said that the area had calmed, but officers were not allowing anyone to leave his location.

High-ranking Florida lawmaker Bill Nelson identified the shooter as Esteban Santiago while speaking to MSNBC. Santiago had a military ID in his possession when he was taken into custody, Nelson said, although whether it was his and valid is unclear.

The suspected shooter appeared to open fire randomly in the baggage claim of Terminal 2.

The suspect was arrested by a sheriff's deputy "without incident", according to Sheriff Scott Israel who told reporters it appears the individual had acted alone.

He said it is too early to determine a motive.

All flights and services have been suspended at the airport, and will be "for an extended period of time" the airport said.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said planes waiting on the tarmac were allowed to depart.

Some passengers who have been held on planes at various gates may be flown to other airports, an airport representative said.

Between 80,000 and 100,000 passengers travel through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International daily.