UPDATE 2 - 5 victims shot dead at US airport

UPDATES THROUGHOUT; CHANGES HEADLINE, SUBHEAD

By Michael Hernandez

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

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 of Terminal 2.

He was arrested when he was attempting to reload his weapon, according to multiple reports.

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.

The Transportation Security Administration said on Twitter there is an active shooter situation ongoing at the airport, though it is not clear if this is referring to the same incident.