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The attacker, an Iraq war veteran, was known to the FBI after walking into their offices in Anchorage in November last year and claimed he was being forced to fight for ISIS, CBS said. Authorities have refused to rule out terrorism as the motive for the attack. The lone shooter, who was wearing a Star Wars T-shirt, is understood to have flown into Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida on flight Delta 2182 for Alaska with a checked gun, according to reports. After arriving in baggage reclaim, he pulled his weapon from his bag and moved to the bathroom to load it. He remerged soon afterwards and started randomly firing shots out of what is believed to be a 9mm handgun at passengers near a baggage carousel, killing five. The city's mayor said emergency services were called to the scene just before 1pm local time (6pm UK time). Florida Senator Bill Nelson reportedly said the gunman has been identified as 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, who was carrying military ID.

Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida Fri, January 6, 2017 Scenes from the Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida Play slideshow kns News 1 of 13 Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida

NBC The shooting reportedly took place in the baggage claim area

I’m at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shots have been fired. Everyone is running Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary

He is reportedly from New Jersey and lived in Alaska for some time. It is believed he served in the Army National Guard until six months ago where he was discharged for poor performance. The suspect’s family have claimed Santiago had been admitted to hospital for psychiatric problems and that his tour of Iraq had changed his mindset. The first picture of the alleged shooter has emerged, showing a young man holding a baby. CBS New York have reported that the family confirmed it is Santiago pictured.

Broward County commissioner Chip LaMarca wrote on Facebook: "The shooter was a passenger on a Canadian flight with a checked gun. "He claimed his bag and took the gun from baggage and went into the bathroom to load it. Came out shooting people in baggage claim."

CBS Picutres of the suspect Esteban Santiago have been released in US media

However an official from the the Canadian embassy said the suspect did not fly from Canada and was not on the Canadian flight. Air Canada later tweeted: "We confirm that we have no record of such a passenger by that name, or checked guns, on any of our flights to Fort Lauderdale." The shooter, who said nothing, laid down on the ground after running out of ammunition where he was then arrested by police. He lay on the ground and surrendered to police. Officers then asked everyone not to move and the suspect was led away. No more details on the attacker have yet been released by authorities. Around 90 minutes after the attack, panic broke broke out at another terminal with passengers and police running frantically.

EPA Passengers were stranded at Fort Lauderdale airport

However, Sherrif Scott Israel told a news conference: "At point there's been no shooting any place else but downstairs in terminal two. "At this point there is no second active shooter." The gunman is currently in custody being questioned by FBI officers and unharmed. Passengers and workers were swiftly evacuated on to the tarmac by law enforcement agencies.

NBC Passengers and workers were forced to evacuate on to the tarmac

Terrified witnesses told how "everyone" started running as the gunman opened fire at the popular airport. The gunman is said to have targetted his victims randomly. Mark Lea, a financial adviser, was in Terminal 2's baggage claim area when he says a man stormed in and opened fire. The 53-year-old from Minneapolis said: “I was dodging bullets and trying to help people get out of the way. “At first we thought it was firecrackers. Everyone started screaming and running. "The shooter made his way down through baggage claim. He had what looked like a 9mm and emptied his entire clip.

CBS NEW YORK The first picture of the alleged shooter has emerged according to reports

NBC Passengers ran when the gunman opened fire

"People were trying to run.” The drama unfolded in the baggage claim area, according to local reports. Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary, tweeted: “I’m at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shots have been fired. Everyone is running.”

REUTERS ravelers are evacuated out of the terminal and onto the tarmac

NBC Emergency services work to rescue the injured

"The police aren't letting anyone out of the airport - at least not the area where I am." Florida Governor Rick Scott said he had talked with President-elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence, but had not been in contact with Barack Obama since the shooting. The Republican Governor said: “Whoever was responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law." On social media site, Twitter, Fort Lauderdale airport said there was an "ongoing incident" in the baggage claim area of terminal two.

REUTERS Police question people who are evacuating from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

NBC A man is pictured bleeding while sitting on the ground at the airport

Dramatic aerial footage photos have emerged showing hundreds of passengers and workers as they were evacuated on to the tarmac. Emergency services are pictured rushing to the scene and in one picture a woman is seen tending to a bleeding, seated man outside the airport building.

NBC Passengers cower on the floor as the gunman goes on a rampage

PH Police on high alert following the attack at the Florida airport

Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Just spoke to Governor Scott. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2017

PH Police on standby at the Florida airport