Fort Lauderdale Airport Closed After Deadly Shooting

Photo: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is closed after a shooting killed five people and left six others injured.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Department said the gunman opened fire around 1 p.m. Friday afternoon at the baggage claim area of Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is home to departures and arrivals for Delta and Air Canada.

The suspect in custody has been identified as Esteban Santiago, a 26-year-old male from New Jersey carrying U.S. military ID. After his arrest, Broward County officials warned on Twitter of unconfirmed reports of a second active shooter on airport property, prompting the airport’s closure.

People on the tarmac at #FortLauderdale Hollywood Airport after shots have been fired. pic.twitter.com/5SKXGME3AG

— The Reagan Battalion (@ReaganBattalion) January 6, 2017

Fort Lauderdale International will be closed “for an extended period of time,” according to airport officials, and all flights have been temporarily suspended.

“Several flights have diverted to other South Florida airports. The FAA has put in a ground stop for flights around the country that are destined for FLL, they are being held on the ground at the origination airport. Travelers headed to FLL should check with their air carriers,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

Miami and LAX airports, and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, also announced plans to increase security.

Port Authority steps up airport security in wake of Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting. #FLLAirport @JFKairport @EWRairport @LGAairport pic.twitter.com/ZTMWCVGp5I

— Port Authority NY&NJ (@PANYNJ) January 6, 2017

Update: The airport reopened at 5 a.m. on Saturday, but Terminal 2 remained closed for several more hours before the ticket counters and check-in areas were reopened. Airport officials are now working towards processing and returning the 20,000 bags and personal items left during the evacuation.