CNN reports that Esteban Santiago, the man charged with murdering five people at the Fort Lauderdale airport, told FBI agents he carried out the attack on behalf of ISIS.
It's unclear at this point whether Santiago was actually working on behalf of ISIS or was simply inspired by the terrorist organization.
FBI special agent Michael Ferlazzo testified at Santiago's bond hearing Tuesday that Santiago claimed to be fighting for ISIS and that he had communicated with other would-be jihadists in chat rooms who were planning to carry out attacks as well.
Federal authorities in Alaska said Santiago told them prior to the attack that he was hearing voices and that his mind was being controlled by the CIA. Santiago initially made similar claims during an interrogation following the shooting, but once he was transferred to the FBI office in Miramar, Florida, Santiago introduced the ISIS claim and never again mentioned mind control, Ferlazzo testified.ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the January 6 attack at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Santiago is charged with using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, performing an act of violence against a person at an airport serving international civil aviation that caused serious bodily injury, and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. The first charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; the others are punishable by death.
Authorities have said that Santiago confessed to the mass shooting, which they said he perpetrated after disembarking a plane from Anchorage and collecting a checked bag containing a Walther 9 mm pistol and two magazines.
The judge ruled he be held without bond. The defense did not argue the prosecution's assertion that Santiago posed a flight risk, as well as a danger to the community, and said that the defendant was prepared to be detained throughout his trial. His next court appearance is January 30.
