History of Fort Lauderdale airport shooting in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 17, 2026

On January 6, 2017, a mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport resulted in 5 fatalities and 6 injuries, with approximately 36 additional injuries caused by the ensuing panic. Esteban Santiago-Ruiz, the shooter, arrived from Alaska and used a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the attack, which lasted about 70-80 seconds. He was apprehended by a Broward County Sheriff's Office deputy shortly after the shooting began. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Santiago pleaded guilty and received five consecutive life sentences plus 120 years in prison on August 17, 2018.

March 16, 1990: Esteban Santiago-Ruiz Born

Esteban Santiago-Ruiz was born on March 16, 1990. He was a 26-year-old resident of Alaska, unemployed, and a former Alaska Army National Guard and Puerto Rican National Guard member at the time of the shooting.

1990: Santiago Born in New Jersey

In 1990, Santiago was born in New Jersey.

December 14, 2007: Joined Puerto Rico National Guard

On December 14, 2007, Santiago joined the Puerto Rico National Guard.

April 23, 2010: Served in Iraq War

From April 23, 2010, Santiago served in the Iraq War as a combat engineer.

February 19, 2011: End of Iraq War Service

On February 19, 2011, Santiago's service in the Iraq War concluded.

March 2012: Firearms Confiscated

In March 2012, the Puerto Rico Police opened an investigation into Esteban Santiago's erratic behavior and confiscated his firearms.

August 2012: Obtained Florida Driver's License

In August 2012, Santiago obtained a Florida driver's license, even though he never lived in Florida, according to official records.

May 2014: Firearms Returned

In May 2014, the firearms that had been confiscated from Esteban Santiago were returned to him.

November 21, 2014: Joined Alaska Army National Guard

On November 21, 2014, Santiago joined the Alaska Army National Guard.

January 2016: Arrested for Assault

In January 2016, Santiago was arrested and charged with assault in an incident involving his girlfriend in Anchorage, Alaska. Police alleged that Santiago yelled at her, broke down the door, and choked her.

November 2016: FBI Visit in Anchorage

In November 2016, Santiago visited the FBI field office in Anchorage, claiming that the U.S. government was controlling his mind, making him watch online videos by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and forcing him to join the group. He also reported hearing voices telling him to commit acts of violence. He was later taken for a mental health evaluation.

2016: Gun Seized and Returned in Anchorage

In 2016, the gun used in the shooting was seized and later returned to Santiago by the police in Anchorage.

December 31, 2016: Canceled Flight to New York City

On December 31, 2016, Santiago canceled a flight reservation to New York City, possibly due to the deployment of a large number of NYPD officers. He later booked a one-way ticket to Florida.

January 6, 2017: Mass Shooting at Fort Lauderdale Airport

On January 6, 2017, a mass shooting occurred at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Broward County, Florida. Esteban Santiago-Ruiz opened fire near the baggage claim in Terminal 2, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to six others. Approximately 36 people were injured in the ensuing panic. The shooter was apprehended by a Broward County Sheriff's Office deputy within 85 seconds, and the entire shooting lasted 70–80 seconds. The firearm used was a Walther PPS 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

January 30, 2017: Pleaded Not Guilty to Federal Charges

On January 30, 2017, Santiago pleaded not guilty to all 22 federal charges during a court hearing.

April 2017: No Link to Terrorism Found

In April 2017, investigators reported that no link to terrorism was found regarding Santiago.

April 2017: Scheduled Sentencing in Domestic Violence Case

In mid-April 2017, Santiago was scheduled to appear by telephone for sentencing in the domestic violence case.

May 23, 2018: Santiago Pleaded Guilty

On May 23, 2018, Esteban Santiago pleaded guilty in the shooting, avoiding the death penalty in return for a life sentence.

August 17, 2018: Esteban Santiago Sentenced

On August 17, 2018, Esteban Santiago was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus 120 years in prison for the Fort Lauderdale airport shooting.