WEB DESK
The Iraq war veteran accused of killing five travellers and injuring six others at a busy international airport in Florida has been charged. US Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said, if convicted, Esteban Santiago could face the death penalty or life in prison.
He said, charges represent the gravity of the situation and reflect the commitment of federal, state and local law enforcement personnel to continually protect the community and prosecute those who target US residents and visitors.
Santiago, who is in custody, told investigators that he had planned the attack and bought a one-way ticket to Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile FBI said, law enforcement was continuing to investigate motives for the attack, including continuing to look at the terrorism angle.
According to the Pentagon, the accused is a former member of the Puerto Rico and Alaska National Guard. He served in Iraq from April 2010 to February 2011, and ended his service in August 2016.