A GUNMAN who shot dead five people and injured eight others at a Florida airport was suffering from mental health problems after serving in Iraq, it has been reported.
The family of Esteban Santiago, the prime suspect in the mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport's baggage reclaim, said he had psychiatric problems and had recently been hospitalised for treatment in Anchorage, Alaska.
The suspect's aunt, Maria Ruiz Rivera, claimed the alleged shooter "lost his mind" while serving with the 130th Engineer Battalion in war-torn Iraq.
She told NorthJersey.com: "Like a month ago, it was like he lost his mind. He said he saw things."
His uncle, Hernan Rivera,added: "Only thing I could tell you was when he came out of Iraq, he wasn't feeling too good."
Meanwhile The Daily Beast has seen legal documents stating that Santiago, 26, was being investigated for attacking his ex-girlfriend, a 40-year-old with a child from a previous marriage.
He allegedly broke down a bathroom door after telling her "Get the f*** out, bitch" in January 2016.
Santiago was arrested days later and released on the condition that he have no contact with the victim.
But a month later police found him at her home and he was charged. The case is still pending.
Earlier it was reported he "had walked into an FBI office claiming he was being forced to fight for ISIS".
The alleged killer spoke to authorities about the terror group in November.
He told officials he was hearing voices in his head, some of which were telling him to join ISIS and watch their videos, and was taken to hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Santiago, who also told the FBI the government controlled his mind, gunned down 13 people at Fort Lauderdale airport today, killing five and injuring eight.
The suspect's aunt Maria Ruiz Rivera claimed the alleged shooter "lost his mind" while fighting in Iraq.
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When quizzed why Santiago may have opened fire at passengers, her husband, Hernan Rivera, said: "No idea. Only thing I could tell you was when he came out of Iraq, he wasn't feeling too good."
Chilling photos posted on Instagram show Santiago posing next to UK landmarks in a jacket emblazoned with a skull and cross.
One image appears to show the alleged shooter outside Bath Abbey, but it is captioned "#London".
His Instagram bio reads: "Here's to finding whether or not your mission on earth is finished ; if your still alive … It isn't."
Santiago, who is accused of opening fire at passengers with a gun he had checked in his luggage, was reportedly receiving psychological treatment while living in Alaska.
Eight people were rushed to hospital after the mass shooting in Terminal 2's baggage reclaim.
Santiago reportedly loaded the gun, which he had carried on a flight from Alaska to Florida, via Minneapolis, in the bathroom and came out shooting.
He is not thought to have said anything during the mass shooting.
Santiago is thought to have flown into Fort Lauderdale on a Delta flight from Anchorage, Alaska.
Senator Bill Nelson named Santiago as the suspect on news channel MSNBC and said he was carrying military identification.
A military spokeswoman says the suspect in a deadly shooting at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, airport received a general discharge from the Alaska Army National Guard last year for unsatisfactory performance.
Lt. Col. Candis Olmstead did not release details about 26-year-old Esteban Santiago's discharge in August 2016. Olmstead said that he joined the Guard in November 2014.
Santiago is from New Jersey, but his most recent address is listed as Naples, Florida.
He has a history of mental health problems, according to NBC News.
His brother said Santiago received psychological treatment in Alaska and had served in the Guard.
Sheriff Scott Israel says Santiago was not harmed and law enforcement did not fire any shots. It is not yet known if the mass shooting was an act of terror.
A witness described the shooter as a slender, gun-wielding man in a blue "Star Wars" t-shirt.
John Schichler told MSNBC the suspect was able to reload his gun at least once during the attack.
The office earlier confirmed five people died, eight were injured and one suspect was in custody following the mass shooting.
Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said a lone gunman was responsible for the mass shooting spree.
She added: "We have no evidence at this time that he was acting with anyone else. He is currently in custody and we're investigating."
Broward County Sheriff's office added: "Confirming multiple people are dead, and a number of people were transported to a hospital from @FLLFlyer (Fort LauderdaleA Airport). Upper level of airport open."
Reports of a second shooting at the airport appear to have been discounted by authorities.
Officers are quizzing the suspect, who was arrested at the scene.
Witness Chenet Nerette claimed the gunman appeared to be a white man using a handgun, TMZ reports.
He said the gunman "took a knee right before he opened fire", suggesting he was preparing for the massacre.
Airport officials announced the new on Twitter, saying there was an "ongoing incident" in the baggage claim area of Terminal 2.
Another witness described the airport as "like a war zone" after the horrifying shooting.
Horrifying video footage shows passengers cowering in fear in the aftermath of the massacre.
Panicked witnesses crouch near the floor and desperately try to flee the scene after shots ring out.
Terrifying Twitter reports described "everyone running" after shots were fired shortly before 6pm.
Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer tweeted: "I'm at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Shots have been fired. Everyone is running."
He added: "Police said there is one shooter and five victims."
President-elect Donald Trump tweeted: "Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Just spoke to Governor Scott. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe!"
Fleischer added: "All seems calm not but the police aren't letting anyone out of the airport – at least not the area where I am."
Parts of the airport were reportedly evacuated after the terrifying shooting shortly before 1pm local time.
She told CNN: "I got off the plane and I saw people running and screaming. At first I was in shock but when I saw TSA agents running, I booked."
There are four main terminals at the busy transport hub, which is also known as Hollywood Airport.
Fort Lauderdale airport's official Twitter account said: "All services are temporarily suspended at #FLL. Please contact your air carrier about your flight information."
Thousands of Brits travel to Fort Lauderdale airport, situated in sunny Florida, each year.
Up to 10 flights head to the US airport from London bases each day.
It is a short drive from Hollywood, Florida – not to be confused with the film capital in Los Angeles.
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