Iraq War Veteran Facing Death Penalty After Florida Shooting

The Iraq war veteran accused of killing five travellers and wounding six others at a busy international airport in Florida has been charged and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Esteban Santiago, 26, told investigators that he planned the attack, buying a one-way ticket to the Fort Lauderdale airport, a federal complaint said.

The authorities do not know why he chose his target and have not ruled out terrorism.

Santiago was charged with an act of violence at an international airport resulting in death - which carries a maximum punishment of execution - and weapons charges.

The former member of the Alaskan National Guard served in Iraq between April 2010 and February 2011.