Airport shooting suspect makes first Florida court appearance
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Amid tight security, the man accused of murdering five people and wounding six others at a crowded Florida airport appeared before a judge on Monday to hear the charges he's facing.
Esteban Santiago, 26, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle he worked for a security firm in Anchorage, Alaska and had between $5 and $10 in the bank.
Valle told Santiago, who was clad in a red jumpsuit and shackled at his wrists, stomach and legs, that the death penalty could apply to his case.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A detention hearing is set for Jan. 17 with an arraignment hearing scheduled for Jan. 23.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO
The FBI has said Santiago flew on a one-way ticket from Alaska to Florida with a handgun in his checked bag on Friday. Agents say he retrieved the gun and emerged from an airport bathroom firing at people near the luggage claim portion of the airport.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"Santiago started shooting, aiming at his victims’ heads until he was out of ammunition," the criminal complaint stated. "...Moments later, Santiago was confronted by a [deputy.] He dropped his handgun on the ground and was arrested by [deputies.]"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.